On November 29, 2018, two Niagara Regional Police Service officers were involved in an on-duty altercation in the Town of Pelham, which led to shots being fired and one officer struck and injured.
Subsequent investigations by the Special Investigations Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police led to criminal charges being laid against both officers.
On November 22, 2019 charges against Sergeant Shane Donovan were withdrawn by the Crown.
On September 13, 2021, the trial commenced for Constable Nathan Parker, at which time Sergeant Donovan was called as a Crown witness. During the officer’s testimony, concerns were raised that Sergeant Donovan may not have been truthful in his testimony.
On December 20, 2021, the Crown ultimately stayed the criminal charges.
In the interest of conducting an independent and impartial investigation, the Hamilton Police Service was requested by the Niagara Regional Police Service to undertake a criminal investigation regarding allegations of perjury.
On Tuesday November 15, 2022, the Hamilton Police Service concluded their investigation and arrested NRPS Sergeant Shane Donovan.
Sergeant Donovan is facing the following charge:
One count of perjury, contrary to Section 132 of the Criminal Code
Donovan was released an Officer-in-Charge Undertaking, with a first appearance Court Date of December 12, 2022, in the City of Hamilton.