News Release
SIU Discontinues Investigation into Man’s Self-Inflicted Injuries in OPP Nottawasaga Cell
Case Number: 22-PCI-198
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injuries suffered by a 34-year-old man he inflicted upon himself while in custody of Ontario Provincial Police officers in August.
On August 6, 2022, the man was arrested for public intoxication in Alliston and taken to a cell at the Nottawasaga Detachment. The man kicked the steel cell toilet with his right foot, fracturing his toes.
Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of video footage that captured the incident, Director Martino found the investigation should be discontinued at this time. Director Martino concluded it was apparent the officers did not contribute to the man’s self-inflicted injuries. 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