Ottawa's police chief has launched an investigation into how information from a roadside stop involving an Ottawa city councillor was made available to CBC News.

Yesterday CBC reported that Rideau-Rockcliffe councillor Peter Clark had his licence suspended for three days and his car towed after a police officer stopped Clark, who blew in the warning range during a breath test.

Clark later apologized to his fellow councillors but denied allegations he attempted to use his position in City Hall to intimidate a police officer.

A police report of the incident — which Radio-Canada and CBC have seen — suggested Clark did not take the incident seriously and made reference to his position as a city councillor and to his association with Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleau.

'I take this very seriously'

Bordeleau said he has now filed a formal complaint concerning the leak of the information about the police report and the Professional Standard Section has begun an investigation.

"About a week and a half ago we got wind of the fact perhaps a news agency had confidential information in one of our police reports," Bordeleau said in an interview with CBC News late Wednesday afternoon.

"It does breach the oath of office that we swear to, it contains private information concerning a citizen of our community so I take this very seriously."

Bordeleau also said he has a "professional" relationship with Clark and that he's never had any negative interactions with him.

Police defend professionalism

Clark told CBC he would not be resigning as a councillor and said he was glad the investigation is moving forward. He had earlier told the CBC the officer suggested during the stop that the incident could go public.

Ottawa Police Association president Matt Skof defended the professionalism of his union's members when interacting with people during roadside stops, and said the incident reinforces the need for video cameras on patrol cars.

Bordeleau also said he stands behind his officers.

"I can clearly state that I have no concern whatsoever with the conduct of the officer with respect to the events that occurred that evening," he said.

"In fact the following day, after I was briefed on the events, I sent the officers a note indicating I was very pleased with the way they handled themselves professionally and that they were to be commended for their actions."