News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Facial Fracture During Arrest in Rockland

Case Number: 26-PCI-131   

Mississauga, ON (24 June, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the fractured right orbital bone suffered by a 27-year-old man during his arrest. On March 20, 2026, officers pulled over the driver of an SUV and arrested the man for dangerous driving on County Road 17. During the arrest, there was a struggle and the man attempted to trip an officer before he was forced to the ground. An officer tried to punch the man six times.

Director Martino concluded that although the punches were significant and caused injury to the man, it did not exceed what was reasonably necessary given their precarious position on live lanes of traffic. He also noted the blows stopped once the man covered his face with his hands.

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