An acting sergeant with the DRPS is facing a criminal charge following an investigation into the death of a 32-year-old man in custody.

According to a media release from the SIU, there are reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the man’s death in November of 2019

“The SIU investigation determined that on November 5, 2019, the man was arrested in the area of Simcoe Street and Highway 401 in Oshawa. After being assessed at hospital, the man was transported to the police station, booked and lodged in a cell,” the media release reads.

“Later that day, the man was found in his cell in medical distress. First aid was commenced, and paramedics and firefighters responded. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Acting Sergeant David Swaine has been charged with one count of failing to provide the necessaries of life.

He is scheduled to appear in Oshawa court on March 24

“The matter is now properly before the courts. In consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation,” the media release concludes.