Criminal investigation leads to arrests, charges against police officers

Vancouver — An investigation by the Vancouver Police Department has led to the arrest of two officers from the Central Saanich Police Service, who have now been charged with criminal offences.

Vancouver Police initiated a criminal investigation on October 28, at the request of Central Saanich Police Service, after a person came forward with information about two officers who allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with an adult woman they met while on duty.

Today, based on evidence obtained during the investigation, the BC Prosecution Service charged:

Matthew Ball, 43, with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, for alleged offences that occurred between February 1, 2019 and October 31, 2023 in the District of Central Saanich; and

Ryan Johnston, 40, with one count of sexual assault for alleged offences that occurred between February 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020 in the District of Central Saanich.

"Allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe," says Fiona Wilson, Deputy Chief, Vancouver Police Investigation Division.

"To maintain trust in the criminal justice system, we must always be prepared to fully investigate allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing within our own ranks, and to recommend criminal charges when compelling evidence exists."

Both suspects were taken into custody Tuesday morning by members of the Vancouver Police Department, with assistance from the Victoria Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call 604-717-0604.