News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Shot by OPP with Less-Lethal Firearm in Sioux Lookout

Case Number: 25-PFP-073   

Other News Releases Related to Case 25-PFP-073

SIU Investigating Discharge of ARWEN at Man in Sioux Lookout

Mississauga, ON (20 June, 2025) ---
The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a 29-year-old man who was struck with several rounds of a less-lethal firearm during his arrest in Sioux Lookout. On February 21, 2025, police sought to arrest the man for robbery and a weapons offence in the area of Queen Street. 

Director Joseph Martino was satisfied that the ARWEN (Anti-riot Weapon Enfield) rounds fired by the officer constituted lawful force in aid of an arrest. The man was in possession of a machete and was threatening its use against the officers. On this record, having refused an opportunity to drop the weapon, the officer acted reasonably in bringing less-lethal force to bear to counteract a potentially lethal situation, Director Martino found, concluding the ARWEN worked as intended, temporarily incapacitating the complainant, and allowing a safe window within which he could be arrested without serious injury. 

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


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