SIU Finds No Wrongdoing In Relation To Chatham Arrest
Jay Smith
The Special Investigations Unit has found no criminal wrong doing in relation to the arrest of a 42-year-old man at an Edgar Street location in March.
After being arrested and taken to the police station, the suspect was transported to hospital, where a fractured hand and possible concussion were diagnosed.
On March 15, 2020 at 6:13 a.m., the Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) notified the SIU of an injury suffered by the 42-year-old Complainant during his arrest earlier that morning.
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has determined there is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges in this case and the file is now closed.
The statement from the SIU reads as follows:
“Shortly after 1 a.m. on March 15, 2020, the Chatham-Kent Police Service received a 911 call from a woman reporting that her estranged partner had confronted her in the backyard of her home, was threatening her and had pointed a handgun at the garage door where she had sought refuge. Officers quickly located the person of interest – a 42-year-old man – emerging from his residence. When an officer called out to him, the man rode away on a bicycle. The officers pursued him in their cruisers for a short distance. The man then got off his bicycle, raised his arms as directed to do so, and was arrested and taken to the police station. He was subsequently transported to hospital where his fractured hand and possible concussion were diagnosed. The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has determined there is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges in this case and the file is closed.”
The SIU report indicates that two SIU investigators worked on the case. The 42-year-old male suspect was interviewed and medical records were obtained and reviewed. In addition, two civilian witnesses were interviewed as were four witness officers.
The SIU is an independent civilian agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must
– consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
– depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
– report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General.
