SIU investigating less lethal firearm discharge in South Frontenac

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is currently investigating an incident that took place yesterday in South Frontenac after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer discharged a less lethal firearm at a 35-year-old man.

Yesterday, on social media, the Ontario Provincial Police East Region said, “Frontenac OPP and OPP Tactics and Rescue responded at appr. noon today to reports of an armed person at a home on Princess Rd in South Frontenac. Male in custody. No threat to public safety. No injuries, but due to interaction the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate.”

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

• On Thursday, Apr. 7, 2022, OPP officers were dispatched to a residence after receiving a 911 call regarding a man in distress.
• The Tactical Response Unit contained the area.
• An interaction ensued between officers and the man, and the man was struck by a projectile from a less lethal firearm that was discharged by one of the officers. 
• The man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital.

“Two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case,” the SIU stated. “At this time, one subject official and two witness officials have been designated.”

The SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged a less lethal firearm, which is classified as a firearm, according to the release. 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.

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

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