2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault

Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.

Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.

The investigation into the members of the Central Saanich Police Service began on Oct. 28 after "a person came forward with information about two officers who allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with an adult woman they met while on duty," the Vancouver Police Department, which led the investigation, said in a statement.

Sgt. Matthew Ball, 43, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust.

Const. Ryan Johnston, 40, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.

At a news conference, Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson said the investigation thus far has proceeded “covertly,” in order to gather the evidence necessary to secure charge approval.

“These arrests are part of an active and ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offences committed by the two officers while on duty in Central Saanich and dating back to January 2019," she said.

Both men were arrested on their way to work Tuesday morning, and have since been released from custody.