NEWS RELEASE
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
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MISSISSAUGA – The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into the August arrest of a 60-year-old man in Welland.
On Aug. 27, 2020, a Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officer attended an address in Welland for a neighbor dispute. While attempting to arrest one of the men involved in the dispute, a struggle ensued between the man and the officer. The man was eventually subdued and placed in the police cruiser. On Sept. 11, 2020, NRPS contacted the SIU to report that the man was complaining of having suffered two broken ribs in the course of his apprehension. The SIU commenced an investigation.
Director Martino said, “Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, which included a review of the man’s treatment records, I am satisfied that the SIU is presently without statutory jurisdiction to continue with the investigation. In the circumstances, there being no confirmed “serious injury” within the meaning of the SIU’s mandate, the investigation is hereby discontinued and the file is closed.”
The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or an allegation of sexual assault.
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