The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an allegation of assault and theft by an on-duty Brandon Police Service (BPS) officer against two individuals on Sept. 3, 2023.

During the incident, the officer was alleged to have grabbed an adult male and forced him onto the hood of a police car, and knocked a cell phone to the ground out of the hands of another male. The officer then allegedly took the phone. Following the completion of the investigation, the civilian director determined that Criminal Code charges should be laid against the officer.

As a result of the investigation, BPS officer Const. Darwin Raga was released on a summons Feb. 26. He has been charged with two counts of assault contrary to Sec. 266 of the Criminal Code and one count of theft under five thousand dollars contrary to subsection 334 (b) of the Criminal Code.

The IIU announced this investigation on Oct. 20, 2023.