News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Medical Episode in Barrie Police Service Cell
Case Number: 25-OCI-314
Witness Assistance
On August 14, 2025, a 31-year-old man lapsed into medical crisis while in a cell of the Barrie Police Service. He was transported to hospital and diagnosed with polypharmacy overdose. The SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation naming the two officers with overall responsibility for the care of prisoners during the man’s time in custody as subject officials. The investigation is now concluded. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that either officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s medical event.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): https://www.siu.on.ca/en/directors_reports.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.
Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES