News Release

News Release

SIU Ceases Investigation After Finding Man Was Responsible for Broken Wrist in Sioux Lookout Cell

Case Number: 25-PCI-303   

Mississauga, ON (22 January, 2026) ---
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has terminated an investigation into the fractured left wrist suffered by a 37-year-old man while in custody of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of video footage that captured the moment the man was injured, SIU Director Joseph Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued.  

The man was arrested without incident for public intoxication in the early morning of July 31, 2025. He was transported to the OPP Sioux Lookout Detachment and lodged in a cell. A couple of hours later, the man stood on one of the cell’s two benches and walked towards the end of the bench.  He lost his footing and fell hard onto the floor on his left arm and side, breaking his left wrist. The man was taken to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, where his fracture was diagnosed. On this record, it was evident that the police did not do anything to contribute to the man’s injury. He alone was responsible for his broken wrist. 

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