News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Shot with Less-Lethal Firearms in South Glengarry

Case Number: 25-PFP-466   

Other News Releases Related to Case 25-PFP-466

SIU Investigating after OPP Officers Discharge Less-Lethal Firearms at Man in South Glengarry

Mississauga, ON (13 March, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe two Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers committed a criminal offence in connection with shooting their Anti-riot Weapon Enfields (ARWENs) at a 38-year-old man last November in the Bainsville area. He was not injured.

On November 18, 2025, the man, fleeing police in Quebec, drove into Ontario and ended up driving against traffic in the westbound lanes of Highway 401. He then lost control of his minivan, entered a grassy median that near 4th Line Road, Bainsville, and crashed into a guard rail. The man then wielded a hatchet and threatened himself and the officers.

Officers tried for about an hour to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the standoff without success. On this record, Director Martino found the ARWENS represented a reasonable option. While the man was able to withstand the impacts that occurred, the use of the weapons did appear to precipitate his eventual surrender without the infliction of serious harm.

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.

Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES