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SIU LOOKING INTO OPP'S USE OF ANTI-RIOT GUN IN OSHAWA

VICTIM, 23, DID NOT SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURIES DURING COURSE OF ARREST: SIU

The actions of an Ontario Provincial Police officer are under investigation after a man was shot with an anti-riot weapon on Monday in Oshawa as he was being arrested.

The Special Investigations Unit, the province's police watchdog, says that OPP officers were investigating a 23year-old man, reportedly wanted on outstanding warrants, around 1 p.m. on March 13.

Officers spotted him on Hwy. 401 in the Oshawa area when he stopped his vehicle and left on foot, said the SIU in a news release. A foot chase followed and "in the course of arresting him" near the Farewell Street off-ramp, "an officer discharged an (ARWEN, Anti-riot Weapon Enfield) at him," said the SIU.

The man was struck and then taken via ambulance to hospital for assessment. He did not sustain any serious injuries, added the SIU.

The SIU'S mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, classified as a firearm, said the oversight agency. Under the SIU Act, a firearm is defined as a barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and which is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.

The March 13 incident marks the second time in less than a week that the SIU has dispatched investigators to Durham to look at police use of an ARWEN,

According to the SIU, Durham police were called to a home in Uxbridge in the Balsam Street and Brock Street West area around 6:30 p.m. on March 9 after a family dispute was reported.

Shortly after arriving, the SIU said there was an "interaction" between officers and a 40-year-old man. One officer used an ARWEN and two other officers used conductive energy weapons.

The man was taken to hospital, but the SIU did not detail the nature of his serious injuries.

The SIU investigates incidents of serious injury or death, as well as allegations of sexual assault, involving police officers.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about the March 13 investigation, including video or photos, to call 1800-787-8529 or visit www.siu.on.ca.

NEWS

en-ca

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281663964254866

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