Ontario's police watchdog is investigating after a 36-year-old Oakville man, found hiding in the crawl space of a his estranged common-law partner's home, was injured during an arrest by St. Thomas police.
The man was wanted on charges including assault with a weapon, assault, uttering threats, choking, and breaking and entering in connection to an incident on August 27.
He was allegedly spotted breaking into the victim's home the following day. St. Thomas police went into the home soon after and found the man hiding in the crawl space under the main floor. After a brief struggle with police, the man was arrested.
"I am extremely thankful to the officers involved who were diligent in their duties to ensure public safety and fortunately located the male suspect before the victim had returned home," Chief Chris Herridge said in a statement.
The Special Investigations Unit was called in to probe the incident due to the man's injury, the severity of which has not been disclosed.
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.
