News Release
SIU Closes Investigation into Waterloo Firearm Injury
Case Number: 10-OFI-046
Other News Releases Related to Case 10-OFI-046
Update: SIU Releases Name of Man Injured in Waterloo Incident
SIU Investigates Injuries Sustained by Man in Waterloo
The SIU assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of this incident. The investigation found that the following events took place on March 31:
* In the early hours of that day, the WRPS received information that Ryan Arcon, who lived in an apartment on Erb Street West, was in an agitated state and destroying his apartment.
* The subject officer was dispatched to investigate the incident. He also had information that Mr. Arcon was armed with a steak knife, and that another individual was in the apartment.
* Shortly after the officer arrived on the landing near Mr. Arcon's apartment, the door to that apartment opened.
* Mr. Arcon was clutching two knives in front of his body at stomach level, and pointed these at the officer's chest as he approached the officer. The officer discharged his firearm twice, striking Mr. Arcon in the leg and torso area.
* Mr. Arcon faltered, but managed to get partially up on his feet. He advanced with the knives pointed forward. The subject officer fired two or three more times in quick succession.
* Mr. Arcon went down, again got up and the subject officer fired again.
* In total, Mr. Arcon sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest, one to the left thigh and two to his right thigh.
Director Scott said, "There is no doubt that Mr. Arcon was in an extremely agitated state when the initial call was made. Further, his being armed with steak knives is corroborated by a civilian witness, and the fact that knives were found at the scene. Accordingly, the officer was justified in discharging his firearm at Mr. Arcon at three different discrete moments because he had a reasonable apprehension of imminent death or grievous bodily harm had he not done so. Remarkably, Mr. Arcon survived."
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