Full Breakdown
Senior Toronto Police Inspector Charged with Impaired Driving
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Inspector Michael Hayles, a 51-year-old senior officer and second-in-command of the Toronto Police Service’s 55 Division, was arrested after being found asleep behind the wheel of his unmarked police-issued vehicle near Eglinton Avenue and Laird Drive. Police say the incident occurred while Hayles was off-duty, and he has been charged with impaired operation/conveyance and impaired operation/conveyance exceeding the legal blood-alcohol limit. He has been suspended with pay under the Community Safety and Policing Act.
Background & Context
Hayles has served the Toronto Police Service for three decades. Off-duty impaired-driving charges against senior officers are not unprecedented in Ontario. Earlier incidents include the off-duty charge of Const. Peter Guy Forbes of Kingston Police and the 2022 charge against OPP Superintendent Riyaz Hussein, who was later demoted after pleading guilty.
Official Statements & Responses
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed the arrest, noting that criminal charges preclude comment on case specifics. A Toronto police spokesperson reiterated that Hayles was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident.
Criticism & Opposition
The Senior Officers Organization, which represents senior officers and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service, declined to comment on the circumstances. President Clayton Campbell, however, said the officer who arrested Hayles “took the appropriate steps” in a difficult situation. “We would like to mention that no police officer wants to arrest a fellow member, let alone someone who is several ranks above him,” — Clayton, president
What’s Next
Hayles remains suspended with pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The charges will be processed through the provincial court system, with a future court date to be set. The case underscores the Toronto Police Service’s policy of holding officers accountable, irrespective of rank.