News Release
SIU Discontinues Investigation into Man’s Fall in Kenora
Case Number: 22-PCI-060
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injuries suffered by a 42-year-old man who had been arrested and taken to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment in Kenora.
On March 1, 2022, the OPP contacted the SIU to report that about a man who had been in their custody was diagnosed with left ankle fractures after his release February 7, 2022.
Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including an interview with the man and review of his medical records, Director Martino found the investigation should be discontinued at this time. Director Martino found that the man’s injuries were caused after he slipped and fell on ice near Canadian Tire at Highway 17 and Mikana Way. Treaty Three Police officers arrested him for public intoxication and took him to a cell at the Kenora OPP detachment. The next day, the man went to hospital where his injuries were diagnosed.
While Director Martino found it arguable whether the civilian custodians directly responsible for the man’s care while in OPP custody paid adequate heed to his injuries, he noted the SIU’s jurisdiction does not extend to civilian members of a police service, leaving the SIU without jurisdiction in this case. Accordingly, the file has been closed.
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.
Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES