Two Windsor police officers remain on active duty after being charged with assault by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit.
"I was surprised because, as I said, this incident occurred well over six months ago," says Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick.
The incident in question happened in October 2014 when 24-year-old Matthew Jonsson was arrested and sustained injuries.
Frederick says it was his decision not to suspend the officers. "Based on the limited information that I have, I don't have access to the investigation, so I have no grounds on which to base the suspension," he says.
Constable Daniel Merlo is charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm. Constable Aaron Naklie is facing charges of aid and abet an assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.
Frederick says once police found out the suspect sustained injuries, the SIU was notified "immediately."
These allegations have not been proven in court. Both officers are scheduled to appear before a judge on July 13.
Separate from the SIU, Frederick says he's conducting an internal investigation of his own. "I'm required, as is every chief, to conduct a parallel investigation to review our policies in relation to that incident and to determine if there were any conduct issues," Frederick says.
Frederick wouldn't say if the two officers continue to patrol the streets or have been reassigned. "I'm just prepared to say they have not been suspended," he says.
