Toronto police officer facing impaired driving charges suspended with pay

A 30-year veteran Toronto Police Service officer, Inspector Michael Hayles, has been suspended with pay following the arrest on impaired driving charges. The incident occurred on Sunday around 6 a.m. when police responded to a call near Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue for a person asleep at the wheel of a stopped vehicle. Hayles, who was off duty at the time, was charged with impaired operation of a conveyance and exceeding the blood alcohol concentration limit.

Inspector Hayles' suspension is in compliance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. The Toronto Police Association (TPA) confirmed his suspension, stating that as a member of the Senior Officers Organization, they have no comment on the matter. However, TPA President Clayton Campbell expressed the officer's commendable behavior in taking suitable action in a challenging situation.

TPA emphasized that incidents like these demonstrate the professionalism and integrity of police officers in dealing with difficult circumstances.