News Release
SIU Discontinues Investigation into Man’s Fall, Serious Injuries in Ayr
Case Number: 22-OCI-158
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injuries suffered by a 25-year-old man after he fell from a balcony in June.
On June 22, 2022, a woman called police out of concern for her husband’s wellbeing. Officers and a paramedic responded to their apartment on Northumberland Street. After the officers knocked on the door and identified themselves, the man went to the balcony and over the railing where he fell several metres onto the ground below. Moments later, the officers entered the apartment and heard cries for help. The officers and paramedic found the man and provided assistance. The man had suffered skull and arm fractures, and was eventually airlifted to hospital.
Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, Director Martino found the investigation should be discontinued. Director Martino concluded it was apparent the officers had nothing to do with the man’s decision to jump from the balcony. On this record, it was patently clear that the officers did nothing to cause or contribute to the man’s fall. 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.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES