A police officer from Peterborough, Ont., is facing a weapons charge after their personal gun went off 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 accidental discharge of a firearm at their residence in the west-end near Ireland Drive and Ravenwood Drive.
Shortly thereafter, police received a 911 call from a neighbor who found a bullet hole in their bedroom upon returning home.
No injuries were reported at either location.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation and confirmed that a single round had been fired from the officer’s residence. Authorities noted that the officer had recently bought the gun, which was legally owned.
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police Chief Stuart Betts stated in an afternoon announcement that once this criminal issue is resolved, 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 said. “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.”
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Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. An independent third party evaluated the weapon as part of the investigation. Story continues below The police informed the Chief Firearms Office about the situation and reached out to an overseas manufacturer of the firearm for coordination on testing and examining it further. The officer was arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of careless discharge of a firearm. Their name has not been disclosed. According to the Community Safety and Policing Act, police stated that the officer has been removed from regular duties and reassigned to administrative tasks until this criminal matter concludes. More on Crime More videos The officer was released under conditions pending their court appearance in Peterborough on Feb. 10, according to police reports. Trending Now
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police Chief Stuart Betts stated in an afternoon announcement that once this criminal issue is resolved, 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 said. “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.”
