News Release

News Release

SIU Ceases Investigation into Woman’s Hospitalization in Belleville

Case Number: 25-OCI-397   

Mississauga, ON (20 January, 2026) ---
The Deputy Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Stacey O’Brien, has terminated an investigation into the hospitalization of a 39-year-old woman while she was in police custody in Belleville.

On October 1, 2025, Belleville Police Service officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of Dundas Street East and Church Street, and arrested the woman. While in her cell, the woman reported feeling unwell due to drug withdrawal. She was transported to the hospital on two occasions, initially, reportedly treated for suspected drug withdrawal and discharged. Subsequently, reportedly diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the ICU, where she later suffered a heart attack.  

Efforts by the SIU to speak with the woman since the incident have been unsuccessful due to her medical condition. Medical records were unobtainable due to the inability to obtain consent from the woman, next of kin refusal, and applicable privacy restrictions.  In the absence of a statement, or confirmation of ‘serious injury’ within the mandate of the SIU, there was insufficient evidentiary foundation from which to proceed with an investigation, and the unit was without jurisdiction to investigate the incident. Every consideration will be given to re-opening the file should the woman regain capacity, or her next of kin elect to provide support.

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