Durham police cleared in Sudine Riley assault claim, referred to LECA

On January 23, 2026, Durham Regional Police arrested lawyer Sudine Riley at the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa under the Trespass to Property Act. Riley later alleged that officers assaulted her, claiming they slammed her head onto a desk, placed their knees on her back and neck, handcuffed her, and ripped off her head scarf, leaving her bleeding and swollen.

York Regional Police conducted an independent investigation and concluded there were no reasonable grounds to lay criminal charges against any of the officers. Consequently, the matter has been forwarded to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) for an independent assessment of possible misconduct.

Riley’s counsel, Atrisha Lewis, expressed disappointment that no charges were filed and has requested video evidence of the alleged assault. The Criminal Lawyers’ Association, which is monitoring the case, called for transparency in the investigation and the upcoming LECA review.