News Release

News Release

SIU Investigating After Officer Shoots Less-Lethal Firearm at Man in Brantford

Case Number: 25-OFP-261   

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Mississauga, ON (1 July, 2025) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after a Brantford Police Service discharged an Anti-Riot Weapon ENfield (ARWEN) at a 41-year-old man. He was not seriously injured.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, police were called with reports the man was threatening people with a knife in the area of a gas station at 206 Henry Street in Brantford. 
  • Police responded and during the course of the man’s arrest, an officer discharged an ARWEN and struck the man.
  • The man was handcuffed and taken to hospital. 
Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

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.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations

Lisez ce communiqué en français.

Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES