Windsor police constable demoted for discreditable conduct

Windsor Police Const. Warren Braganza has been demoted for six months for causing a car crash then leaving the scene last summer.

Braganza, 37, a Windsor police officer for seven years, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of discreditable conduct at a Police Act hearing. Last week in provincial offences court, he pleaded guilty and was fined $1,250 for the same July 2013 crash.

His hearing Monday heard that Braganza visited the Loose Goose and had four drinks after his shift ended at 11:45 p.m. on July 3, 2013. He then drove down Riverside Drive “at a high rate of speed,” running a red light on Walker Road and fishtailing into the oncoming lane. About 1:30 a.m. near Lauzon Road, Braganza ran into an oncoming Lincoln Navigator, then spun out into an empty lot. Braganza, a seven-year veteran of the force, then drove away, leaving his bumper and licence plate behind.

In his initial report, Braganza claimed to have stopped at the scene and checked on the occupants of the car he hit. Witnesses at Abars restaurant said otherwise.

Braganza amended his report, saying he spoke to a man at the scene he had mistook for the driver of the other vehicle.

Braganza did return to the scene, Monday’s proceedings heard. Police administered a roadside breath test which he failed.

Braganza was never charged criminally. He was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with driving to the left of the centre line and with leaving the scene of a crash. As part of a plea bargain, the charge of leaving the scene was withdrawn.

“There is no question Const. Braganza’s actions have damaged the reputation of the Windsor Police Service and fellow officers,” said Supt. John St. Louis, who presided over the hearing.

As punishment agreed to by both Braganza and Insp. Edward Hickey who prosecuted the case, Braganza, who is a first-class constable, is being demoted to second-class constable for six months. The demotion will cost him about $5,000 in salary.

Braganza is currently suspended from the force in relation to his arrest earlier this month by OPP. Braganza is charged with assault and forcible confinement for an alleged incident April 4 in Lakeshore involving his ex-wife.

Under provisions of the Police Act, Braganza continues to collect his salary while on suspension. Because of the penalty imposed at his hearing Monday, his salary will be reduced.

Braganza will face a separate hearing under the Police Act related to the criminal charges he faces.

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