News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Injuries During Hamilton Arrest

Case Number: 25-OCI-500   

Mississauga, ON (2 April, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe a Hamilton Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the fractured nose and right orbital bone suffered by a 27-year-old man during his arrest. On December 4, 2025, officers were called to a residence near Wentworth Street and Main Street East in relation to a domestic abuse investigation. The man also had warrants for his arrest on firearm-related charges.

The man and an officer exchanged punches to the head and fell to the ground in a struggle. The man flailed his legs and refused to release his arms to be handcuffed. Two officers punched the man multiple times and another officer arrived after which the man was handcuffed.

Director Martino accepted that the man’s fractures were incurred during his arrest, the likely result of one or more of the officer’s punches, but found no reasonable grounds to believe the injuries are attributable to unlawful conduct on the part of the officer. 

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