The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared a Thunder Bay police officer of any wrongdoing following an investigation into a man’s death at the local health sciences centre.
The investigation into the matter began on May 28, 2024, after the SIU received a report from city police about a man who was found unconscious in their custody.
The man was initially arrested on May 27, and he was found unresponsive in his cell early the next morning and he died three days later.
SIU Director Joseph Martino found the officers handled themselves with due regard for the man’s health and wellbeing.
The director’s report highlighted that an officer took note of the man’s distress before a scheduled cell check and acted quickly to get help, with officers administering CPR and naloxone.
The investigation was delayed while the SIU awaited a postmortem examination that came in on March 14.
The pathologist attributed the man’s death to cocaine toxicity, but heart disease was a contributor.
The Special Investigations Unit can investigate the actions of officials like police officers, special constables of the Niagara Parks Commission or peace officers under the Legislative Assembly Act, that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
