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2025 News Releases

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February

14 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Male Youth’s Arrest and Broken Hand in Toronto

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the fractured hand suffered by a 16-year-old male. On October 20, 2024, officers sought to arrest the male at a bus shelter at Kingston Road and Lawrence Avenue East in relation to a robbery investigation.

14 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Seriously Injured During St. Catharines Arrest

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Niagara Regional Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the serious injury suffered by a 60-year-old man. On October 17, 2024, officers went to an apartment the area of Bloomfield Avenue and Dundonald Street to execute warrants in effect for the man’s arrest. He refused to surrender.

14 February, 2025

SIU Charges Toronto Police Officer with Aggravated Assault

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence last summer.

13 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Fractured Vertebrae During Arrest by Officers in York Region

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a York Regional Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the serious injury of a 36-year-old man in King. In the early morning of October 16, 2024, a team of officers working to combat auto theft in York Region converged on a Mazda at the intersection of Jane Street and Lloydtown-Aurora Road.

13 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Ankle After Motorcycle Crash in Ajax

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe any police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a 22-year-old man seriously injured after a motorcycle collision in Ajax. On October 19, 2024, the man went through a red light and crashed his motorcycle at the intersection of Rossland Road West and Ravenscroft Road. An off-duty Toronto Police Service officer witnessed the collision and tried to help. Shortly after, the man attempted to flee the scene.

12 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Brantford ARWEN Discharge

In the afternoon of October 15, 2024, Brantford Police Service officers attended a residence after a member of the sheriff’s office reported that while attempting to evict a man from an apartment, the man threatened her with death. Officers, while outside of the apartment, were also threatened with death by the 51-year-old man from inside the apartment. Upon opening the door, officers observed the man with an axe.  He was unreceptive to negotiations, which continued for about four hours. At one point, an officer was able to grab hold of the man through the opening in the door. A struggle ensued. From the area of the door’s threshold, an officer fired his Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at the man five times. The man was arrested and transported to hospital where he was diagnosed with a laceration to the upper right shoulder and a fracture of the right clavicle. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the use of the ARWEN.

12 February, 2025

No Criminal Charges to Issue in Relation to Orangeville Arrest of Man

In the early afternoon, Ontario Provincial Police officers located a man behind a business in Orangeville. Officers had been looking for him after calls to police reporting that he had threatened staff at a hospital and residence and assaulted two persons in and around a convenience store. The 39-year-old man fled on foot but hadn’t travelled very far when one of the officers deployed a conducted energy weapon, causing the man to fall and strike his head and right shoulder on the pavement. After a struggle, in which the officer discharged his CEW several more times, the man was handcuffed and taken into custody. He was transported to hospital and diagnosed with fractures of the right jawbone and clavicle, an epidural hematoma, and a left temporal lobe hemorrhagic contusion. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injuries.

12 February, 2025

SIU Investigating Death of Man in York Police Custody in Richmond Hill

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 33-year-old man early this morning in Richmond Hill.

11 February, 2025

SIU Investigating Death of Woman in Custody of Hamilton Police

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 31-year-old woman early this morning while in Hamilton Police Service custody.

10 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Woman’s Sault Ste. Marie Arrest

In the afternoon of October 13, 2024, Sault Ste Marie Police Service officers were dispatched to a residence with respect to a reported domestic disturbance. Upon arriving at the scene officers placed themselves between the two women to keep them separated. The officers then took hold of the aggressor, who reacted by striking them each in the face. The officers were able to seat the 24-year-old woman on the sidewalk while they waited for assistance to arrive. The woman was handcuffed behind her back. Paramedics transported the woman to hospital where she was treated for a fracture of the right arm. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the woman’s arrest and injury.

9 February, 2025

SIU Investigating Less-Lethal Firearm Discharge at Teen in Brampton; Teen Uninjured

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after two Peel Regional Police Service officers discharged less-lethal firearms at a 15-year-old male in Brampton early this morning.

8 February, 2025

SIU Charges Toronto Police Officer in Relation to Collision in Whitby

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed criminal offences in relation to a collision in the course of an arrest in Whitby last June.

7 February, 2025

Notice of Correction to Director’s Report

Please be advised the Director’s Report for case 24-PCI-427, published on February 3, has been amended to correct an error.

7 February, 2025

SIU Discontinues Investigation into Woman’s Fentanyl Overdose in St. Thomas Cell

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into a 27-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital for a drug overdose while in Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) custody in Elgin County last October.

6 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Woman Injured During Apprehension in Brantford

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Brantford Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with serious injuries suffered by a 58-year-old woman. On October 10, 2024, officers attempted to apprehend the woman under the Mental Health Act at her residence in the area of Terrace Hill Street and St. Paul Avenue.

6 February, 2025

SIU Terminates Investigation into Man’s Injury from Fall While Fleeing Windsor Police Officers

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into a 47-year-old man’s broken knee while attempting to flee officers in Windsor. 

5 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Punched by Officer During Protest in Toronto

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a broken nose suffered by a 29-year-old man after he was punched during a protest outside the U.S. Consulate last summer. 

5 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Eye Injury After CEW Discharge During Brantford Arrest

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Brantford Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a 52-year-old man seriously injured during his arrest in Brantford in 2022. The SIU began investigating on October 8, 2024, after the Brantford Police Service notified the Unit of information they recently received of the incident.

5 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Drug Overdose in Barrie

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Barrie Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with an overdose suffered by a 61-year-old man. As officers were at the man’s property seeking to arrest him at the time, the SIU was notified and investigated.

4 February, 2025

As Officer Did Nothing to Cause or Contribute to Collision Between Civilian Vehicle and Pedestrian, SIU Discontinues Mississauga Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 26-year-old man in October in Mississauga.

4 February, 2025

SIU Terminates Collision Investigation in Brantford

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 53-year-old man in October in Brantford.

3 February, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Mississauga Arrest

On October 6, 2024, a 23-year-old man was seriously injured in Mississauga in the course of his arrest by Peel Regional Police officers. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

3 February, 2025

No Charges to Issue in Relation to Tecumseh Arrest of Man

In the late afternoon of October 5, 2024, Ontario Provincial Police officers were dispatched to a noise complaint for a loud party at a residence in Tecumseh. Outside of the residence, one of the officers became involved in an interaction with a 51-year-old man. The man was arrested. The following day, the man attended hospital where he was diagnosed with a displaced right proximal ulna fracture. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

3 February, 2025

As Man Was Not Seriously Injured in Collision, SIU Terminates Fort Erie Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into an incident that occurred last month in Fort Erie.

3 February, 2025

Woman’s Injury a Result of Her Kicking Cell Door; SIU Discontinues Guelph Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 34-year-old woman in November in Guelph.

3 February, 2025

Due to Man’s Refusal to be Interviewed or Provide Medical Records, SIU Discontinues Toronto Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the arrest of a 36-year-old man in September in Toronto.

January

31 January, 2025

No Basis to Proceed with Charges in Connection to Thunder Bay Arrest

On October 4, 2024, a 42-year-old man was seriously injured while in the custody of the Thunder Bay Police Service. The SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

31 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Garson Arrest

In the early morning of October 13, 2024, Greater Sudbury Police Service officers were dispatched to an address in Garson after receiving a call about a disturbance involving a man. The man was described as having had mental health issues in the past and had reportedly damaged property and was not acting himself. Officers encountered the 37-year-old man and an interaction ensued. When one officer deployed his conducted energy weapon, the man fell forward and struck his face on the floor, resulting in a broken nose. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

30 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Toronto Officer’s Gunfire at Man

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with shooting his gun at a 21-year-old man during a robbery investigation. On Oct. 2, 2024, officers were investigating a Honda Civic in an underground parkade in the area of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue East as it was believed to have been involved in robberies. 

29 January, 2025

Man’s Injuries were Self-inflicted; SIU Discontinues Coldwater Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injuries suffered by a 61-year-old man in October in Coldwater.

29 January, 2025

SIU Terminates Walkerton Investigation; Man’s Apparent Injury a Result of Punching Cell Wall

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 31-year-old man in October while lodged in an OPP Walkerton cell.

28 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Arrest of Man at Pickering Home

On September 29, 2024, a 26-year-old man was seriously injured in the course of his arrest by Durham Regional Police Service officers in Pickering. The SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

27 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Forearm During Arrest While Running From Officer in Hamilton

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Hamilton Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a 31-year-old man diagnosed with a broken forearm. On September 28, 2024, an officer was on patrol in a marked cruiser when he approached a stopped vehicle in the area of West Avenue North that he believed recently fled from police. While it was not the vehicle in question, it too turned out to be stolen. The occupants of the vehicle fled and the officer ran after the driver, tackling him to the ground.

24 January, 2025

SIU Terminates Investigation into Man’s Injury in Minibike Collision in Norfolk County

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, terminated an investigation into a fractured left wrist suffered by a 22-year-old man in a collision in Port Dover. On October 9, 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police reported that a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision following an effort by an OPP cruiser to stop his minibike. 

23 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Teen Injured in Toronto Arrest

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe two Toronto Police Service officers committed a criminal offence in connection with the broken right hand suffered by a 16-year-old male. On August 22, 2024, officers detained the teen for investigation of his involvement in a drug offence. This came after the young person was at a gas station at Sheppard Avenue East and Morningside Avenue with another individual, who reportedly conducted a drug deal with an undercover officer.

22 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Less-Lethal Shotgun Discharge at Woman in Toronto

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with firing a less-lethal shotgun at a 38-year-old woman in an apartment in Toronto. On September 25, 2024, the woman called police to report she had a knife and intended to harm herself. Officers went to her apartment near Eglinton Avenue West and Kipling Avenue where they attempted to negotiate with her while she was seen holding the knife at her neck and stomach. An officer fired a bean bag round at the woman, though it did not strike her. The woman dropped the knife and she was apprehended under the Mental Health Act.  She was not seriously injured.

22 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Woman Seriously Injured During Arrest in London

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a London Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the serious injury of a 43-year-old woman. On September 24, 2024, police were called to assist paramedics in relation to a woman in distress at an apartment in the area of Colborne and King Streets.

22 January, 2025

SIU Investigating Death of Woman After Fatal Fall in Toronto

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 29-year-old woman early this morning.

20 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into ARWEN Discharge at Teenager in Oshawa

On September 22, 2024, Durham Regional Police Service officers were dispatched to a home in Oshawa following a call to police regarding a domestic disturbance. Upon arriving, officers attempted to speak to a 15-year-old male who had barricaded himself inside his bedroom. A mental health unit consisting of an officer and nurse arrived to assist. After not hearing from the teenager for some time, officers decided to enter the room. As they entered, the teenager threw a metal pole in the direction of the officers. One officer discharged a conducted energy weapon (CEW) and another fired an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN). The teenager was eventually taken into custody. He was not struck as a result of the ARWEN discharge, and he did not serious any serious injury. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the use of his ARWEN against the man.

20 January, 2025

SIU Terminates Toronto Investigation into Man’s Fall from Apartment Balcony

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 42-year-old man in September in Toronto.

18 January, 2025

SIU Investigating Police-Involved Shooting in Camden East

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding a police-involved shooting that occurred last night in Camden East, resulting in a 41-year-old man suffering serious injuries.

18 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Firearm Discharge by Officer at Vehicle in Moonbeam

In the evening of September 20, 2024, the OPP received a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance, and that one of the parties had fled the scene in a Jeep heading west on Highway 11. The Jeep was located, and officers attempted to stop it. In the area of a construction zone, a police vehicle ahead of the Jeep came to a stop, causing the Jeep to do the same. The Jeep driver backed into a cruiser, and then traveled forward in an attempt to drive through the opening between a guard rail and the driver’s side door of another cruiser. The officer in this cruiser fired six shots at the Jeep. The man was not struck. He exited the vehicle and fled the scene, but was arrested the following day. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the shooting.

18 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Acton Fall Fair Incident

In the evening of September 20, 2024, Halton Regional Police Service officers who were working a paid-duty assignment at the Acton Fall Fair were alerted to an altercation involving two men in the parking lot. Officers moved to separate the men. When one of the men either pushed or punched an officer, that officer reacted by punching the man in the face. The 54-year-old man fell, struck his head and lost consciousness. He was transported to hospital and diagnosed with a skull fracture and brain bleed. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s injury.

17 January, 2025

SIU Charges Two Durham Regional Police Service Officers in Relation to Fatal Whitby Highway Collision

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe two Durham Regional Police Service officers committed criminal offences in relation to a fatal multi-vehicle collision that occurred on April 29, 2024. 

17 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Toronto Investigation into Man’s Serious Injuries Suffered after Fall from Height

On September 20, 2024, a 28-year-old man suffered multiple injuries, including facial and rib fractures, internal bleeding, and permanent brain damage, after he fell from a retaining wall. As he was being pursued on foot by Toronto Police Service officers at the time, the SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s serious injuries.

17 January, 2025

No Basis to Charge Officer in Relation to Kitchener Arrest

In the evening of September 21, 2024, Waterloo Regional Police Service officers were dispatched to a Kitchener residence after an Uber driver reported that he had been assaulted by a male while making an alcohol delivery to the male’s address. In the course of officers attempting to arrest the 49-year-old male, the male suffered a brain bleed. The SIU initiated an investigation. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

16 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Arrest of Man in Toronto

On September 17, 2024, a 35-year-old man suffered a broken nose in the course of his arrest by Toronto Police Service officers. The SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation The investigation is now concluded. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s arrest and injury.

15 January, 2025

Man Alone was Responsible for Injury in Sudbury Cell; SIU Discontinues Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 24-year-old man in September in Sudbury.

14 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Fatal Fall from Etobicoke Apartment Balcony

On September 16, 2024, a 21-year-old man passed away, the result of injuries incurred in a fall from height. As York Regional Police officers were attempting to arrest him at the time, the SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation. The investigation is now concluded. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s death.

14 January, 2025

Injury Incurred Prior to Police Arrival; SIU Discontinues Mississauga Investigation

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 19-year-old male in September in Mississauga.

13 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Male, 15, Injured During Pursuit in Hamilton

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Hamilton Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the seriously injury of a 15-year-old male in a collision during a pursuit in Hamilton.

13 January, 2025

SIU Investigating Death of Woman in Toronto

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 44-year-old woman early this morning in Toronto.

10 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Foot After Arrest in Timmins

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Timmins Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a broken left foot suffered by a 31-year-old man during his arrest in Timmins last September.

9 January, 2025

SIU Terminates Investigation Following Motorcycle Collision in Port Colborne

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into a collision between two 40-year-old male motorcyclists in Port Colborne.

8 January, 2025

SIU Investigating after Woman has Fatal Fall from Whitby Apartment Balcony

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman this morning in Whitby.

8 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Struck with Less-Lethal Firearm Round in Brantford

The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Brantford Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with shooting an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at a 33-year-old man. The man was not injured. On September 12, 2024, officers were called to an apartment near Salisbury Avenue and Erie Avenue in Brantford. They sought to arrest the man after they had reason to believe the man assaulted another male with a weapon.

8 January, 2025

Former Toronto Police Officer Charged with Historical Sexual Offence

The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe a former officer with Toronto Police Service committed a criminal offence between 1981 and 1982. 

3 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Mississauga Arrest

In the evening of September 4, 2024, Peel Regional Police received 911 calls from citizens reporting a man behaving strangely in the area of Cliff Road North and Central Parkway East. He was variously yelling, lying on the roadway, and seemingly hallucinating. Officers arrived on scene and attempted to calm the man pending the arrival of paramedics. The man fled on foot, entering the rear yard of a residence. The man was arrested. While being escorted out of the rear yard, the man fell forward, striking his face on the ground and breaking his nose. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the 27-year-old man’s arrest and injury.

2 January, 2025

SIU Closes File Involving Durham Regional Police Service Officers

On September 3, 2024, a 36-year-old man lapsed into medical distress while in the custody of the Durham Regional Police Service. The SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation. Three officers were recognized as the officers with primary responsibility for the care of the man during his time in custody and were identified as subject officials. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that any of the officers committed a criminal offence in connection with the medical condition of the man.

2 January, 2025

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Arrest at Vaughan Cannabis Dispensary

In the morning of September 4, 2024, York Regional Police officers attended the site of an illegal cannabis dispensary in  Vaughan to  arrest anyone found inside. When executing a search warrant on the premises the previous night, officers had posted notices that entry was prohibited and would constitute the offence of ‘break and enter’ under the Criminal Code. Officers located a man and woman inside. The woman was taken into custody without incident. Following an altercation, the man was arrested. At hospital, he was diagnosed with a fracture of the anterior wall of the right maxillary sinus and a broken nose. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the 21-year-old man’s arrest and injuries.

2 January, 2025

Notice of Correction to Director’s Report

Please be advised that the Director’s Report for 24-OCI-360, originally published on December 24, 2024, has been amended.