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Dec 19, 2024 1:26 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. police officer charged with sexual assault dies by suicide, reports say

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RCMP say they are looking into whether any criminality was involved and the coroner's service is also investigating.(The Canadian Press)

Several British Columbia media reports say one of two Central Saanich Police officers charged with sexual assaulting a woman they met on duty has died by suicide.

The Times Colonist cites four sources saying 43-year-old Sgt. Matthew Ball has died, while other outlets cite police sources saying Ball died by suicide.

Mounties say in a news release they are investigating the discovery of a body in a forested area of Shawnigan Lake, which is about 40 kilometres northwest of Victoria.

RCMP say they are looking into whether any criminality was involved and the coroner's service is also investigating.

An RCMP spokesman would not identify the person who died, while Central Saanich Police, the BC Coroners Service and BC Emergency Health Services declined to comment.

Vancouver police said on Tuesday that Ball and 40-year-old Const. Ryan Johnston allegedly formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with the same woman in her mid-20s, and it did not appear the two officers acted together.

Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson of the Vancouver Police Department said at a Tuesday news conference that the investigation was launched on Oct. 28 at the request of Central Saanich Police after the woman came forward about the alleged offences.

Wilson called the allegations against Ball and Johnston "shocking and disturbing."

She said the investigation was ongoing and anyone with information was asked to contact police.

Ball, who was hired by Central Saanich Police in 2016 after 12 years of service with Calgary police, had faced one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, for allegations that happened between Feb. 1, 2019, and Oct. 31, 2023.

He was awarded a police exemplary service medal by the Governor General earlier this year.

Johnston has been with Central Saanich Police since 2017 and is accused of one count of sexual assault for an alleged offence that occurred between Feb. 6, 2020, and March 8, 2020.

Wilson had said both officers were to face court on Tuesday for a bail hearing.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, support is available 24-7 by calling or texting 988, Canada's national suicide prevention helpline.

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