News Release
Man’s Injury Was Self-Inflicted; SIU Discontinues Ajax Investigation
Case Number: 21-OCI-078
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, at about 11:05 a.m., Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) officers responded for a wellness check call to the Super 8 Motel in Ajax. A portion of the lodging had been rented by the Salvation Army and was being used as COVID isolation lodging. DRPS had been contacted by the Salvation Army and were requested to check on the well-being of a 48-year-old man in Room 313. Upon police arrival, the man initially refused to open the room door. After several minutes, the man came to the door and opened it, at which time the police officers discovered that the man had cut his throat. He was transported to hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries.
Director Martino said, “Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, I am satisfied at this time that there is patently nothing to further investigate as far as the potential criminal liability of any police officer is concerned in connection with the man’s injury. As it is evident on this record that the injury was self-inflicted before the officers’ arrival, and their presence was instrumental in ensuring that the individual received prompt medical attention, there is no question of any want of care on the part of the officers. Accordingly, the investigation is hereby discontinued, and the file is closed.”
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as 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