News Release

News Release

SIU Investigating After Police Discharged ARWEN at Barrie Man

Case Number: 21-OFP-403   

Other News Releases Related to Case 21-OFP-403

SIU Finds no Grounds to Lay Criminal Charges Against Police Officer who Discharged ARWEN During Barrie Standoff

Mississauga, ON (25 November, 2021) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating following the police discharge of an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at a 39-year-old man in Barrie this morning.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • At approximately 9:45 a.m. on November 25, 2021, Barrie Police Service officers went to a residence on Innisfil Street in Barrie in response to a 911 call for a person in crisis. 
  • Officers attempted to negotiate with the man.
  • There was an interaction, and police discharged an ARWEN and a Conducted Energy Weapon at the man.
  • He was taken to hospital for assessment.

It is not known at this time if the man sustained any serious injury; however, the SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, a firearm is defined as a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as 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