News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Nose in Toronto Arrest

Case Number: 25-TCI-220   

Mississauga, ON (8 January, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the fractured nose suffered by a 21-year-old man during his arrest. On February 23, 2025, TPS Drug Squad officers went to a house in the area of Eglinton Avenue East and McCowan Road in Scarborough on the strength of a warrant to search for illicit drugs.

The man, a guest at the residence, fled to the basement when officers entered a side door of the home. In an attempt to handcuff the man, who was lying prone, the officer punched the man’s back and head. In a search, officers located a handgun in the man’s possession. The officer conceded that he repeatedly punched him when refused to release his arms from underneath his torso and in the fear that he was reaching for a weapon. 

Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): 

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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