News Release
SIU Closes Case into Fergus Death
Case Number: 10-PCD-169
During the evening hours of August 13, OPP officers responded to a bar in Mt. Forest and arrested Mr. Maher. He was taken to the OPP detachment where he was lodged. Mr. Maher began banging his head on the cell bars (captured on video), and was taken to Mt. Forest Hospital for treatment. He was released from hospital, and into the care of a friend. Later Saturday evening, Mr. Maher was out with friends in Fergus when he died.
Two investigators and one forensic investigator from the SIU probed the circumstances surrounding this incident. Based on the information obtained from video and from the post mortem, no evidence exists to indicate that any member of the OPP in any way contributed to or caused Mr. Maher's death. Given the Unit's mandate, which is limited to serious injuries and deaths that may have resulted from criminal offences committed by police officers, the SIU has withdrawn from the investigation. Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Maher?s death is being conducted by the OPP.
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