News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Nose After Thunder Bay Arrest

Case Number: 25-OCI-510   

Mississauga, ON (18 March, 2026) ---
The Deputy Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Stacey O’Brien, found no reasonable grounds to believe a Thunder Bay Police Service officer committed a criminal offence after a 29-year-old man broke his nose. On October 9, 2025, an off-duty officer saw the man spray painting a business and attempted to arrest him for mischief. The man fled and fell to the ground. The officer secured him on the ground while he tried to get away.

While video evidence suggested the officer may have punched the man in the face, Deputy Director O’Brien concluded it was likely that the man fractured his nose during his fall. However, given the man’s attempted flight and assaultive kicking, a single closed-fist strike, if it did occur, would have been within the range of reasonable force. 

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