News Release

News Release

SIU Seeking Witnesses of Arrest at Woodbine Casino on Jan. 8

Case Number: 24-OVI-008   

Witness Assistance

Fill Out a Witness Form

Mississauga, ON (14 February, 2024) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after a 42-year-old man suffered serious injuries during his arrest by Peel Regional Police officers near Woodbine casino in Etobicoke in the early hours of January 8, 2024. Based on a review of surveillance footage, there were bystanders there, possibly recording cellphone video, at the time of the incident, and SIU investigators are seeking witnesses to come forward.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • Just before 2 a.m. on January 8, 2024, officers were conducting an investigation into stolen vehicles. The investigation led them to the parking garage of the Grandstand Casino, adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack.
  • Officers attempted to arrest two men in the parking garage. There was an interaction between an officer and one of the men, during which the man suffered serious injuries. The man was arrested and taken to hospital.
One subject official and eight witness officials have been designated at this time.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

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