A police officer in Peterborough, Ont., has been charged with a weapons offense after their personal gun accidentally fired inside their home on New Year’s Eve.
The Peterborough Police Service reported that around 6:40 p. m. on Dec. 31, 2025, an off-duty officer self-reported the discharge of a firearm within their west-end residence located near Ireland Drive and Ravenwood Drive.
Not long after, authorities received a 911 call from a neighbor who returned home to find a bullet hole in their bedroom wall.
Fortunately, no injuries occurred at either property.
An investigation was initiated by the police, confirming that a single round had been fired from the officer’s home. The weapon in question was legally owned and had recently been purchased by the officer.
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Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story. An independent third party examined the weapon during the investigation. Story continues below The police informed the Chief Firearms Office about the incident and contacted an overseas manufacturer of the firearm for coordination of functional testing and evaluation of the gun. The officer was arrested on Wednesday and faces one count of careless discharge of a firearm. Their identity has not been disclosed. According to the Community Safety and Policing Act, the officer is currently off regular duties and has been reassigned to administrative tasks until the criminal case is resolved. The officer has been released under conditions and is scheduled to appear in court in Peterborough on Feb. 10, according to police statements. More on Crime More videos In a statement given on Wednesday afternoon, Police Chief Stuart Betts noted that once this criminal matter is settled, there will be an investigation into professional standards misconduct. “I recognize that anytime criminal charges are laid against an officer it impacts public trust and confidence,” Betts stated. “We understand that we must earn your trust and confidence through our actions each and every day. This is why we have been as open as possible throughout the investigation of this incident, including informing the community of the incident and investigation as well as consulting with outside agencies and the Crown Attorney’s office prior to laying charges.” “We are very much aware that there could have been a devastating outcome as a result of this incident, and we are thankful that no one was physically injured.” Story continues below The police indicated that under the Firearms Act, other firearms present in the home were legally transferred to another individual not living there. No further comments or details will be shared since this matter is now before the courts. & copy 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
