The Special Investigations Unit file photo by Maureen Revait The Special Investigations Unit file photo by Maureen Revait
Windsor

SIU ends investigation into June arrest in Harrow

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has dropped an investigation into the arrest of a 26-year-old man in Harrow.

Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police's Essex detachment responded to a mischief call on the night of June 23 in the area of Secord Avenue in Harrow. After police located the suspect, a struggle took place, and the man was placed in an OPP cruiser. An ambulance was then called after the man smashed his head and face off the Plexiglas divider in the cruiser, and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

Joseph Martino, director of the SIU, said in his decision that the investigation was ended because the oversight agency had no authority over what happened.

"Based upon the SIU's preliminary inquiries, which included a review of the man's medical records, it is apparent that the SIU is without jurisdiction to continue with the investigation," wrote Martino. "Though the matter was reported to the SIU as involving a brain bleed and concussion, it is now clear that neither injury was in fact diagnosed.  Rather, following his arrest by the OPP, the man was taken to hospital where the extent of his injuries was ultimately determined to consist of a subdural hematoma of no significant mass or effect. As the injury does not amount to a 'serious injury' within the terms of the SIU's statutory jurisdiction, the investigation is hereby discontinued, and the file is closed."

The SIU is Ontario's law enforcement watchdog agency, which investigates incidents in which a death or severe injury has occurred in the presence of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault.

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