Ontario's police watchdog has wrapped up its investigation after a 33-year-old man was injured during a takedown by Sarnia police.
On the evening of February 2, 2025, Sarnia police attended an apartment in the area of Wellington Street and Indian Road for reports of a break and enter.
When officers arrived, they located a man and a woman on the third floor of the building. It's alleged the man ran down a stairwell when police approached.
The officer caught up to the man, tackled him, and placed him under arrest. He would be released unconditionally with no charges when it was learned he lived at the building.
The man complained of pain to his arm and was taken to Bluewater Health, where he was diagnosed with a fractured right humerus.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was called and an investigation was initiated.
SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s injury.
"I am also satisfied that the force used by the subject official in aid of the complainant’s detention, namely, a takedown, was lawful," said Martino. "The complainant’s determined flight from police meant that some form of physical interdiction would be necessary. It also suggested that the complainant would resist when and if captured."
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.