The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has ended a probe of an arrest in Leamington in February.
SIU Director Joseph Martino said Friday there was no evidence that two Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers acted with criminal intent, and the investigation is concluded.
The incident occurred on the morning of February 20 outside a business on Erie Street North. Officers spotted a suspect on a bicycle carrying a cash register, according to the SIU report. The suspect denied stealing the items and tried to walk away but was held by the two officers. To get the accused to comply with the arrest, the suspect was punched by one of the officers, breaking an orbital bone in the suspect's face.
"I am also satisfied that the force used by the officers, in essence, the punch struck by the [subject officer], fell within the latitude of permissible force," wrote Martino in the report. "In the circumstances, I am unable to reasonably conclude that the punch amounted to a disproportionate escalation in the force brought to bear against the complainant. The complainant’s fight waned after the blow was delivered, and the officers were able to take control of his arms."
Martino concluded that no criminal charges were necessary against the officers.
The SIU is Ontario's law-enforcement watchdog agency, which is brought in to investigate incidents where a police officer is involved in a death, serious injury, or sexual assault.