News Release

News Release

SIU Investigating Death of Man After Arrest in Niagara Region

Case Number: 26-OOD-472   

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Mississauga, ON (5 October, 2026) ---
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 40-year-old man following his arrest by Niagara Regional Police Service officers.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • On September 27, 2026, officers were called to a home in Fort Erie in relation to a disturbance. Officers attempted to arrest the man for an outstanding warrant and he fled on foot. There was a struggle and the man was handcuffed.
  • The man was taken to hospital, released and returned to police custody. He was lodged in a cell at the Niagara Falls detachment.
  • During his time in the cell, the man attempted to harm himself. The man was taken back to hospital and admitted on September 28.
  • The man was pronounced deceased in hospital on October 1. 
Two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case. The post-mortem was completed on October 3 and the results are pending.

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

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