News Release
Man’s Injuries were Self-inflicted; SIU Discontinues Coldwater Investigation
Case Number: 24-OCI-450
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.
On October 23, 2024, York Regional Police officers attended a residence in Coldwater to execute an arrest warrant. The man received notification of this. Soon after he heard police officers knock at the door, the man cut his throat. Officers forced entry to the apartment, and they provided first-aid. The man was transported to hospital for treatment of lacerations.
Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, Director Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued. The man alone was responsible for his injuries and the officers did nothing to harm him. Rather, they saved his life. On this record, there being patently nothing to investigate as far as any officer’s potential criminal liability was concerned, the file has been closed.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
- publicly report the results of its investigations
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES