OPP officers have been cleared of any wrong-doing following an arrest in Tilbury last summer.
Authorities were called to a hydro distribution centre on the night of July 25th where two men had cut through a fence, broke into a storage building, and stole copper wire.
The men fled when officers arrived but were caught with the help of a police service dog. One of the men suffered a minor dog bite, while another was bitten and suffered two fractured ribs. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.
The Special Investigations Unit has determined there are no reasonable grounds to lay criminal charges against the officers involved.
“The Complainant refused to release his arms to be handcuffed and was met by several knee strikes by the SO (Subject Officer,) after which the officers were able to wrest control of the Complainant’s hands and the dog’s hold was released,” says SIU Director Joseph Martino. “In light of the events that had preceded the arrest, including the Complainant’s spirited flight from police and the possibility he might be in possession of a weapon, the SO was in my view entitled to wish to effect the Complainant’s arrest as quickly as possible.”
The case has now been closed.
