News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Nose During Arrest in Burk’s Falls
Case Number: 24-PCI-485
The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the broken nose of a 54-year-old man in Burk’s Falls. On November 12, 2024, police were called in relation to an assault at a residence.
After officers arrived, the man approached one of the officer’s aggressively and placed his hands on him, seemingly preparing to throw a punch. Director Joseph Martino concluded the officer was entitled to defend himself and did so with like force. An officer forced the man to the ground and another officer punched the man in the back. Director Martino found it made sense as it would position the officers to better deal with the man and his combative behaviour. The man continued to struggle while on the floor before he was controlled and handcuffed.
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