News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Interaction at Barrie Police Station

Case Number: 25-OCI-323   

Mississauga, ON (17 December, 2025) ---
In the early morning of August 22, 2025, a 31-year-old woman was arrested for public intoxication by Barrie Police Service officers.   She was taken into custody without incident, transported to the police station and lodged in a police cell. The woman’s behaviour became increasingly erratic during her time in the cell. Upon observing the woman banging her head forcefully against the cell’s hard surfaces, special constables alerted police officers at the station. After trying to get the woman to stop from outside the cell, officers entered the cell. A struggle ensued, and the woman was eventually pulled out from the cell and restrained on the floor. Paramedics attended the cell area, administered two rounds of sedation, and took charge of the woman’s care. She was transported to hospital and treated for serious scalp lacerations. Toxicological testing revealed the presence of amphetamines and benzodiazepines. On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the woman’s injuries. 

Full Director's Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision)

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

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