A Nelson police officer convicted last year of assaulting a woman while off duty has quit the department.
According to a news release issued today, Cst. Drew Turner submitted his resignation to Chief Wayne Holland on Thursday.
The document was forwarded to the police board, which accepted it. However, the police department declined a request to release it to the Star.
Turner had been on desk duty since he was charged in November 2014.
After a trial last year, Turner was convicted of using excessive force by punching a drunk woman unconscious while coming to the aid of colleagues who were trying to subdue her. Three fellow officers testified against him.
He was sentenced to 30 days house arrest and a year’s probation. Since completing his house arrest, he has been on paid leave.
A professional standards investigation will still be completed by the Vancouver Police Department under the supervision of New Westminster police chief Dave Jones.
Police Complaints Commissioner Stan Lowe will make the ultimate decision in the case.
The city paid Turner’s legal fees but has declined to make the total amount public, as the police board hasn’t yet decided whether it will seek reimbursement.
Turner’s policing career spanned almost 13 years. He joined the Vancouver Police Department in February 2003 and started with the Nelson Police Department on Jan. 5, 2009.
