News Release

News Release

SIU Investigating Discharge of Less Lethal Firearm by Officer in South Frontenac

Case Number: 22-PFP-105   

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Officer’s Use of Less Lethal Shotgun was Lawful; SIU Closes Inverary Investigation

Mississauga, ON (8 April, 2022) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer discharged a less lethal firearm at a 35-year-old man yesterday in South Frontenac.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • On April 7th, 2022, OPP officers were dispatched to a residence after receiving a 911 call regarding a man in distress.
  • The Tactical Response Unit contained the area.
  • An interaction ensued between officers and the man, and the man was struck by a projectile from a less lethal firearm that was discharged by one of the officers. 
  • The man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital.

Two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case. At this time, one subject official and two witness officials have been designated.

The SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged a less-lethal firearm, which is classified as a firearm. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, a firearm is defined as a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.

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.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES