News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Broken Nose in Toronto Bar Arrest

Case Number: 26-TCI-249   

Mississauga, ON (23 September, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the serious injury of a 30-year-old man during his arrest at a bar on College Street.  

On May 30, 2026, police arrested the man for trespassing after he refused to leave the Reverie bar. Officers punched the man repeatedly, while the man lashed out with his arms and legs. Only after the final discharge of a conducted energy weapon, were the officers able to handcuff the man. On this record, Director Martino was unable to reasonably conclude that the force used by the police was unwarranted.

Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): https://www.siu.on.ca/en/directors_reports.php.

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