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Following a video showing police officers leaving a restaurant and entering an unmarked vehicle with alcohol and a firearm, London Police Chief Thai Truong has ordered a criminal investigation and internal review, suspending one senior officer with pay. The case highlights concerns over firearm storage and officer conduct during public events.
London's police chief has ordered an investigation after a video surfaced in Toronto on June 24, 2026 showing officers leaving a restaurant, entering an unmarked police vehicle and placing a service‑issued firearm in a manner that raised concerns while alcohol was also visible in the vehicle.
The footage prompted Chief Thai Truong of the London Police Service to intervene immediately, review the recording, and direct the matter to Toronto police for a criminal investigation into the handling and storage of the firearm. The chief stressed that the incident required scrutiny not only under criminal law but also under the Community Safety and Policing Act, which governs police conduct and discipline. The investigation will unfold in two stages.
Criminal Probe And Internal Review Launch
First, Toronto authorities will determine whether the officers' actions constitute a violation of criminal statutes, including improper possession or storage of a firearm and any related conduct. Once that criminal inquiry concludes, the London Police Service will conduct an internal review to assess whether the officers' behavior breached departmental policy and professional standards. In the interim, a senior officer has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigations.
Chief Truong clarified that the decision to suspend, rather than to pay no wages, does not minimize the seriousness of the allegations. He explained that the legal framework governing police discipline has not yet met the threshold needed for a suspension without pay at this point. Chief Truong underscored the broader implications for public trust.
"Police officers are entrusted with significant authority and responsibilities," he said. "With that comes an expectation that we will conduct ourselves in a manner that maintains the confidence of the community we serve. " He emphasized that these expectations apply to every member of the service and are especially important for officers in leadership positions.
Identities Withheld Amid Ongoing Investigations
The chief also noted that no criminal charges have yet been announced and that investigators have not released the identities of the officers involved, citing the importance of preserving the integrity of the investigations. He promised that additional information would be released when appropriate, but will not provide further comments on the evidence until the investigations are complete.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of proper firearm storage protocols within the police force, particularly during high‑visibility events such as funerals that often involve increased public presence and media scrutiny. The incident also highlights the need for clear procedures regarding alcohol consumption and possession of weapons among sworn officers, especially when operating civilian vehicles. Law‑enforcement experts have called for stronger oversight mechanisms and mandatory training sessions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the investigations progress, the community and the broader law‑enforcement community will be watching closely to see whether the outcome supports systemic changes or merely addresses the individuals involved. In summary, the investigation is being led by Toronto police with a criminal focus, followed by an internal review by the London Police Service.
The chief remains committed to upholding community confidence, ensuring no compromise in the disciplinary process, and carefully balancing transparency with the need to protect the integrity of the investigative work.
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