News Release
Due to No Interview with Man or Access to Medical Records, SIU Closes File into Lakeshore OPP Detachment Incident
Case Number: 24-PCI-558
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the hospitalization of a 35-year-old man in December.
On December 28, 2024, the man was arrested by Chatham Kent Police Service officers on the strength of an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warrant and transferred into the custody of OPP officers. While at the Lakeshore OPP Detachment, the man appeared unwell and was transported to hospital in ambulance.
Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, Director Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued. The SIU was unable to locate the man for an interview or to secure a medical records release. In the circumstances, the nature and extent of his injuries was unclear. On this record, there was an insufficient evidentiary foundation to conclude that the man suffered a ‘serious injury’ within the terms of the SIU’s jurisdiction. As such, 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