B.C. police officer dies by suicide after being charged with sexual assault
A tragic turn of events has unfolded in Central Saanich as it was reported by CBC News that a Central Saanich Police Services officer who was charged with sexual assault has died. The officer, identified as Matthew Ball, reportedly died by suicide on Tuesday. This news comes just one day after Ball, aged 43, was charged with one count each of sexual assault and breach of trust following an investigation by the Vancouver Police Department.
Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson of the VPD revealed that Ball and another officer, Ryan Johnston, had allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a woman they had encountered while on duty. The officers reportedly had separate relationships with a vulnerable woman in her mid-20s. Ball’s charges were in relation to incidents that allegedly occurred between February 1, 2019, and October 31, 2023, in Central Saanich. Prior to his time at CSPS, Ball had served with the Calgary Police Service for approximately 12 years.
The Calgary Police Service, where Ball previously worked, stated that they were cooperating fully with the VPD investigation. They expressed deep disappointment over the allegations and emphasized that such behavior did not align with the values of their service. Johnston, the other officer involved, was charged in connection to incidents that took place between February 6 and March 8, 2020. He worked as a constable in the CSPS general investigation section and had been hired in 2017.
Central Saanich, a municipality in Greater Victoria located about 20 kilometers north of the provincial capital, had a population of just under 17,400 people as of the 2021 census. CSPS Chief Constable Ian Lawson announced that an investigation by the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner is now underway in light of the charges against the officers. The service, which had a strength of 28 officers, has suspended both Ball and Johnston and is moving to suspend them without pay following consultations with legal counsel.
The shocking and saddening nature of the allegations has deeply impacted Lawson and the entire Central Saanich community. As this tragic event continues to unfold, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner. The community stands together in solidarity during this difficult time.
