Ontario SIU Launches Probe After Anti-Riot Weapons Discharged During OPP Arrest Attempt in Gananoque

The tranquil community of Gananoque, Ontario, is currently under the watchful eye of the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) following a significant incident involving the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The independent civilian oversight agency has initiated a comprehensive probe after reports emerged that anti-riot weapons were discharged by officers during an attempt to arrest a man.

The events leading to the SIU’s involvement unfolded on Monday, May 20, 2024.

According to preliminary information released by the SIU, OPP officers were engaged in an operation to apprehend a man within Gananoque. During the course of this arrest attempt, it is alleged that anti-riot weapons were deployed. These types of less-lethal weapons are typically used in scenarios requiring crowd control or to subdue individuals from a safe distance.

The SIU’s mandate is unequivocally invoked whenever an incident involving police results in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault.

In this specific case, the SIU’s jurisdiction was triggered by the fact that anti-riot weapons, despite being designed for non-lethal use, are classified as firearms. Therefore, their discharge by police officers during an interaction automatically falls under the unit’s purview, prompting an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their use.

Following the reported discharge of the weapons, the man at the center of the incident was subsequently taken into custody without further reported complications.

He was then transported to a local hospital to undergo a medical assessment. At this early stage of the investigation, the SIU has not publicly disclosed the identity of the man or provided extensive details regarding the specific nature of the initial arrest attempt.

The ongoing SIU investigation will meticulously scrutinize the actions of the involved OPP officers.

Investigators will focus on ascertaining the justification for the use of anti-riot weapons, evaluating the procedures followed during the incident, and determining whether their deployment adhered to established protocols and legal frameworks. The unit encourages anyone who may have witnessed the event or possesses relevant information to come forward and assist with their inquiry.

In line with standard operating procedures for active investigations, the SIU will refrain from providing further detailed updates until their probe is complete.

The ultimate findings of this investigation will determine whether there are sufficient grounds to lay criminal charges against any of the officers involved. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role independent oversight plays in ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust within law enforcement agencies.