Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has concluded its investigation into an arrest made by the South Simcoe Police Service in Innisfil that resulted in a serious injury.
The investigation stemmed from an incident on the evening of September 17th, 2025, when South Simcoe officers were called to a residence near Big Bay Point Road and Yonge Street following a report of intimate partner violence. Police were told a 46-year-old man was intoxicated, had assaulted a woman at the residence, and was attempting to leave the area on a motorcycle.
According to the SIU report, officers arrived to find the man on his motorcycle and attempting to leave. As police moved in to arrest him for assault and impaired driving, one officer pushed the man, causing him to fall to the ground with the motorcycle landing on his left ankle. The man was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, where he was later diagnosed with a fractured ankle.
The SIU, which is mandated to investigate incidents involving police where there is death, serious injury, or other serious allegations, launched a probe later that night. Investigators reviewed body-worn camera footage, police communications, witness statements, medical records, and physical evidence, including the motorcycle involved.
In its analysis, the SIU determined the officer was legally justified in attempting to arrest the man, given the information available at the time, including allegations of domestic assault and impaired operation of a vehicle. The director also concluded the force used (a push to prevent the man from fleeing on the motorcycle) was reasonable in the circumstances.
While the SIU acknowledged the man’s injury occurred as a result of the push and the motorcycle falling on him, the report states there were no reasonable grounds to believe the officer acted unlawfully. As a result, no criminal charges will be laid, and the file has been closed.
