The province’s SIU is investigating after a Brantford police officer discharged an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) on Tuesday at a 39-year-old man.
In a media release, the Special Investigations Unit said preliminary information suggests police were called by a man sometime in the afternoon reporting that, while he was in Gilkison Flats Park, a man threatened to harm him.
Officers found a “person of interest” in the area of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Gilkison Street.
According to the release, an officer deployed his ARWEN and struck the man. Another officer discharged his conducted energy weapon (Taser) at the man, said the release.
The man was apprehended and taken to hospital but didn’t sustain any serious injuries, said the SIU.
Three investigators and a forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.
“Although the man did not sustain any serious injury, the SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm,” said the release.
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 to a person.
The SIU is urgent anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php
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. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.