A Toronto police officer is accused of misconduct, insubordination and neglect of duty in relation to mishandling an early arrest and release of alleged serial killer, Bruce McArthur.
Sergeant Paul Gauthier is facing several charges after arresting McArthur in 2016 following a 911 call where a man claimed to have escaped McArthur’s van. Gauthier took the victim’s statement and after reviewing both the victim’s and McArthur’s statements with his superiors, no inconsistencies were found.
No charges were laid on and McArthur was then let go.
In a statement obtained by CBC, Gauthier says he is being used as the scapegoat to divert focus from all other mistakes made during the investigation.
Chief Mark Saunders and Toronto Police Services have received severe backlash, for the mishandling of the McArthur investigation after ignoring claims that the city’s village and, LGBTQ community were targeted by a serial killer.
Gauthier’s case has been adjourned until Feb.26.
McArthur has pleaded guilty to eight counts of first degree murder. A sentencing decision on the murder case is expected to be made tomorrow morning.
