News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Drug Overdose in Barrie
Case Number: 24-OCI-431
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.
On October 8, 2024, officers attended at a residence in the area of Big Bay Point Road and Yonge Street in Barrie. They were there to arrest the man for breaching the terms of an undertaking by contacting his estranged wife the day before.
Director Joseph Martino found the evidence established that the officer exercised due care and regard for the man’s well-being. The officer opened the door to check on the man and saw he was suffering the effects of an overconsumption of drugs and alcohol. Director Martino found the officer was right to check on him, as the officer knew the man had previously contemplated suicide. The officer also acted quickly to secure medical care for the man. He was taken to hospital and treated.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision):
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