A Winnipeg Police officer is facing charges after an investigation into an incident that occurred in March of 2017.

According to the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) the incident involved an alleged assault by the officer when he was off-duty of a 32-year-old male suspect.

During the arrest, the officer is accused of punching and kneeing the suspect causing multiple head injuries.

The investigation by the IIU has determined that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe a criminal offence occurred.

Patrol Sergeant Sean Cassidy was told go the charge at a January 14, 2019 meeting with IIU investigators.

Cassidy will appear in court on March 11, 2019.