B.C. police watchdog will not recommend charges in officer’s death

British Columbia's police oversight agency is investigating the death of a Central Saanich, B.C., police sergeant who was charged with sexual assault and breach of trust. (CTV News)

Warning: This story contains a reference to suicide.

British Columbia’s police oversight agency will not recommend criminal charges related to the death of a Vancouver Island police officer who died by suicide while facing allegations of sexual assault and breach of trust.

Matthew Ball, a 43-year-old sergeant with the Central Saanich Police Service, was found dead in a forested area near Shawnigan Lake on Dec. 18, 2024. Local RCMP officers confirmed his death was self-inflicted, the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said in a statement Monday.

Ball had been released from police custody hours earlier, charged with one count each of sexual assault and breach of trust.

Another Central Saanich officer, Const. Ryan Johnston, was also charged with sexual assault after allegedly forming a separate relationship with the same woman whom the officers allegedly met while on duty.

The police watchdog says both officers underwent a “mental health assessment” when they released from custody and taken home.

The agency’s investigation into the death relied on witness statements, police documents, medical reports and surveillance video.

Upon review of the evidence, the IIO’s chief civilian director “determined there is no indication that there was a neglect in duty to care, and no reasonable grounds to believe any officer may have committed an offence,” the statement said.

“This matter is therefore not being referred to the B.C. Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.”

The charges against the officers were announced by the Vancouver Police Department following a weeks-long covert investigation into Central Saanich police conduct.

Ball, who was hired by the Central Saanich police in 2016 after 12 years of service with Calgary police, was awarded an exemplary service medal by the Governor General in 2024.

Johnston has been with Central Saanich police since 2017.

The IIO probes all police-related incidents that result in serious harm or death in B.C., whether or not there are any allegations of wrongdoing on the part of officers.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline (988)
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338)
• Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566, or 45645 by text)
• Kids Help Phone [phone])
• If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital