SIU investigating police officer’s discharge of anti-riot weapon at Ottawa hospital

The province’s police watchdog is investigating the discharge of an anti-riot weapon at a hospital in Ottawa.

On Tuesday, July 9, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer apprehended a 26-year-old man under the Mental Health Act and the man was admitted to hospital.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) was contacted by hospital personnel who reported the man was being violent.

Officers were dispatched to the scene, and according to the Special Investigation’s Unit (SIU), one officer deployed his Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) and the man was taken under control.

The SIU said the man did not sustain any serious injury, but its mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, 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.

Three investigators and one forensic investigator from the SIU have been assigned to the case, and anyone with information, including video or photos, is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.