The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating following the police discharge of an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at a 39-year-old man in Barrie this morning.
Preliminary information suggests the following:
- At approximately 9:45 a.m. on November 25, 2021, Barrie Police Service officers went to a residence on Innisfil Street in Barrie in response to a 911 call for a person in crisis.
- Officers attempted to negotiate with the man.
- There was an interaction, and police discharged an ARWEN (which shoots plastic bullets) and a Conducted Energy Weapon at the man.
- He was taken to hospital for assessment.
It is not known at this time if the man sustained any serious injury; however, the SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm.
Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, a firearm is defined as a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.
SIU Investigating After @BarriePolice Discharged ARWEN at Barrie Man
News Release: https://t.co/qv4EuFN72X— Special Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) November 26, 2021