News Release

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

Case Number: 24-TCI-418   

Mississauga, ON (3 February, 2025) ---
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.

On September 30, 2024, in the area of Northcliffe Boulevard and Eglinton Avenue West, the man was arrested by Toronto Police Service officers in relation to a robbery. During the arrest, a struggle ensued. The man was later taken to hospital.  

Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, Director Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued. Despite multiple requests by the SIU, the man did not make himself available for an interview. As a result, the SIU was also not able to secure a medical release from the man that would permit investigators access to his medical records. On this record, the SIU was unable to confirm whether the man did, in fact, sustain a serious injury, nor did the unit have the benefit of the man’s evidence regarding his struggle and arrest, some of which, but not all, was captured on body worn camera footage. In the circumstances, there was an insufficient evidentiary foundation from which to continue the investigation. 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.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES