The Director of the province’s Special Investigations Unit has terminated an investigation into the arrest of a 32-year-old man in October in Southampton.
The SIU says in a release, on the evening of October 7, 2022, the man was arrested for public intoxication by a Saugeen Shores Police officer. Two days later, following his release from custody, the man went to hospital where he was reportedly diagnosed with a concussion and fractured vertebrae.
The SIU says, “While the man attributed his injuries to force used by the arresting officer, he refused to authorize the release of his medical records. As there was not sufficient evidence of a ‘serious injury’ at the hands of police within the mandate of the SIU, Director Martino determined the SIU was without statutory jurisdiction to investigate the incident. 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.