The Special Investigations Unit is investigating after a Brant OPP officer discharged an anti-riot weapon at a man at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area early Monday morning.
An SIU news release says officers were called by Grand River Conservation Authority staff about a man who was trespassing.
Officers arrived at the campground at about 2:40 am and attempted to arrest a 46-year-old man. The SIU said there was an altercation and an officer fired their ARWEN (anti-riot weapon Enfield) at the man who was then taken to hospital.
The SIU said the man didn’t suffer any serious injury but his mandate was invoked because the officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm.
Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, a firearm is defined as a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. Investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.