SIU investigating ARWEN discharge in Prince Edward County

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is currently investigating an incident that took place in the Picton area yesterday, in which an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer discharged an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at a 66-year-old man.

ARWENs are firearms that fire 37 mm less-lethal rounds, such as foam or plastic projectiles.

According to a release from the SIU, preliminary information suggests the following:

• At approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jul. 23, 2023, police were called about the man after he was reportedly shooting a firearm on a property in the area of County Road 5 and County Road 6. 
• Officers were dispatched, and they located the man armed with a gun.
• An officer discharged an ARWEN at the man, striking him twice. A police service dog was also deployed.
• The man was arrested and taken to hospital. The man did not suffer any serious injuries.

The SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm, according to the release dated Monday, Jul. 24, 2023. 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.

Anyone who may have information about this incident, including video or photos, is asked to contact the lead SIU investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

The SIU is an arm’s length civilian agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.