News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Death of Man in Toronto
Case Number: 24-OCD-190
Other News Releases Related to Case 24-OCD-190
The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Peel Regional Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the arrest and death of a 26-year-old man last May. He was initially arrested by Peel Regional Police on April 25, 2024, and transferred to the Toronto Police Service on the strength of an arrest warrant. He was lodged in a cell before he was transported to hospital where he later died.
Director Joseph Martino found that while the man’s condition appeared off while in custody – breathing rapidly, whispering, unsteady and, at times, incoherent – but there was nothing to suggest he needed immediate medical attention. He was able to articulate that he suffered from mental illness, for which he took medication, but denied being injured or having consumed alcohol or drugs. Director Martino concluded that because of the man’s behaviour, a police officer directed that he be monitored closely. Within minutes of that instruction, asked to the cells by the special constable watching the man, an officer arranged to have him sent to hospital.
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