Dramatic Turn in Lindsay Police Incident: Crown Re-evaluates All Charges After Preliminary Inquiry

A pivotal legal development is unfolding in Lindsay, Ontario, as the Crown's office has confirmed it is undertaking a comprehensive review of all charges stemming from a contentious December 2022 incident involving two Kawartha Lakes Police Service officers and a woman who experienced a medical emergency while in custody.

This significant decision comes after the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry, raising the possibility of a dramatic shift in how the events are legally interpreted and pursued.

At the heart of this intricate case are Const. Brendan Facey and Const. Jeff Demelo, who were initially charged with assault in connection with the incident.

These charges were laid not by the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) regarding the woman's medical distress – a matter on which they were cleared of criminal wrongdoing – but due to new evidence that emerged concerning the officers' use of force. Simultaneously, the woman involved, Amber Ellis, had herself been facing charges of cocaine possession, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer.

The incident that sparked this legal maelstrom occurred on December 28, 2022.

According to her lawyer, Mark Halfnight, Ms. Ellis was discovered unresponsive in a police cell, having suffered what appeared to be a medical episode. Halfnight has steadfastly maintained that his client was left unattended despite clear signs of distress, a claim that underscores the gravity of the accusations now facing renewed scrutiny by the Crown.

The Crown's decision to re-evaluate every aspect of the case – both the charges against the officers and those against Ms.

Ellis – signals a deep dive into the specifics of the events. While the SIU's initial investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding Ellis's medical emergency in custody and cleared the officers on that front, subsequent information led to the assault charges against Facey and Demelo. This ongoing review suggests that the Crown may be examining the broader context of the interaction, including the initial arrest, the reported use of force, and the subsequent care, or lack thereof, within the police facility.

For Ms.

Ellis and her legal team, this development offers a glimmer of hope that her own charges might be reconsidered, potentially acknowledging her as a victim rather than an accused in the eyes of the law. "The Crown is reviewing all of the charges and whether there is a reasonable prospect of conviction," stated spokesperson Natasha Krstajic, emphasizing the thoroughness of the current legal examination.

This review underscores the critical importance of police accountability and the careful balance between law enforcement duties and the rights and well-being of individuals in custody.

As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of this comprehensive review will be keenly watched by the public, legal observers, and all parties directly involved.

It represents a crucial juncture in a case that has already raised significant questions about police conduct, the treatment of vulnerable individuals, and the pursuit of justice within Ontario's legal system.