London Man Charged After Violent Incident in Woodstock Leaves Woman and Officer Injured

On the evening of September 16, a seemingly ordinary night in Woodstock took a sharp turn when a confrontation erupted near the town’s downtown core. According to police, the incident turned violent, leaving a woman with injuries and even a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer requiring medical attention.

Detectives later identified the suspect as a 34‑year‑old man from nearby London. He was taken into custody at the scene and, after a preliminary investigation, was formally charged with aggravated assault and sexual assault. The Crown prosecutor noted that the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged conduct, which included a physical attack that escalated to a non‑consensual sexual act.

The injured woman, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for bruising and minor fractures. The RCMP officer, who was on patrol at the time, suffered a concussion and a sprained wrist. Both victims are expected to make a full recovery, but the incident has shaken the close‑knit community.

Police spokesperson Sgt. Mark Johnston said the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will be reviewing the officer’s involvement to ensure all protocols were followed. “We take any incident involving the use of force very seriously,” he told reporters, adding that the SIU’s findings will be made public once the investigation concludes.

Neighbourhood residents expressed a mix of shock and concern, with many calling for increased safety measures during evening hours. “It’s a small town; you don’t expect something like this to happen,” said one local shop owner, who asked to remain anonymous. “We hope the courts handle it appropriately and that we can get back to feeling safe.”

The man from London is scheduled to appear before a judge on October 5, where he will be formally entered into the court system. If convicted, he could face several years in prison, reflecting the aggravated nature of the assault and the sexual assault component.

Police continue to urge anyone with additional information about the September 16 incident to contact the Woodstock detachment or the SIU directly. Meanwhile, community leaders are organizing a town‑hall meeting next week to discuss public safety and how best to support the victims.