News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Death in OPP Custody in Northumberland County

Case Number: 26-PCD-238   

Other News Releases Related to Case 26-PCD-238

SIU Investigating Death of Man Following Time in OPP Northumberland Detachment

Mississauga, ON (18 September, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the death of a 28-year-old man.
 
On May 25, 2026, the man was in a cell at the Cobourg detachment following his arrest for breaching a term of a release order. The man experienced a seizure and fell from his cell bench. Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Director Martino found it apparent that the officers themselves with due care and regard for the man’s health and wellbeing as they promptly responded to his cell to render care pending the arrival of paramedics. 

Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): https://siu.on.ca/en/directors_report_details.php?drid=5267

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