A Toronto police officer has been charged with assault, accused of using “unnecessary and excessive force” while arresting a man.

In a news release Monday, police say the TTC called police on Dec. 13 after a man refused to leave a bus, which was stopped near Markham and Ellesmere Roads.

The man was arrested and charged after officers responded. The man filed a complaint with the TTC, which was forwarded to the Toronto Police Service Professional Standards unit.

After an investigation and reviewing video provided by the TTC, Det. Christopher Hutchings, of 43 Division, was charged with assault on Monday.

Hutchings, who has been with Toronto police for 24 years, is currently suspended with pay.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 17 at Old City Hall.