News Release
SIU Discontinues Investigation into Woman’s Broken Ribs in Toronto Cell
Case Number: 22-TCI-247
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the serious injury suffered by a 51-year-old woman while in custody of the Toronto Police Service last September. Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of video footage, Director Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued.
On September 20, 2022, the woman was arrested without incident. She was brought to 55 Division and put in a cell. While in the cell, she fell against the metal toilet, striking her right torso. She was taken to hospital and diagnosed with right-sided rib fractures. As the woman’s injuries were the result of her fall, there was patently nothing to investigate as far as the potential criminal liability of any police officer. 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