News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Foot Fractures in Hamilton Arrest

Case Number: 25-OCI-498   

Mississauga, ON (1 April, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe Hamilton Police Service officers committed a criminal offence in connection with a fractured right foot suffered by a 24-year-old man during his arrest. On December 3, 2025, officers were called to a trailer parked in the rear of a property at Wellington Street North and Burlington Street East for the assault of a woman. Officers forced their way into the residence after hearing a female scream. Officers grabbed the man and pulled him forward out of the trailer, when the man landed awkwardly on his right foot. The man was handcuffed while in the prone position on the ground.

Director Martino found it made sense that the officers would have wanted to quickly control his arms and remove him from the trailer to prevent further violence. He concluded the maneuver was performed with minimal force and the injury was due to how the man landed.

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