The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared two Barrie police officers after a 21-year-old man suffered a broken nose during his arrest this past summer.
In a release issued Wednesday afternoon, the SIU says it has found "no reasonable grounds" to believe the officers committed a criminal offence in connection with the arrest on July 16, 2024.
The SIU says officers had attempted to arrest the man for alleged drug trafficking on Mary Street, but he fled from police on foot.
According to SIU director Joseph Martino's final report, he concluded that the force used by the officers was "not disproportionate. The man had fled from police, engaging them in a foot pursuit, and refused to submit peacefully to arrest when grounded, struggling against efforts to handcuff his arms behind his back."
The SIU says the man's injury could have resulted from him falling forward onto his face while fleeing arrest, or from an officer tackling him from behind and landing on his back while he was on the ground.
The SIU was notified of the incident by city police at 11:42 p.m. on July 16.
Earlier that day, at 6:15 p.m., the SIU report says plainclothes officers were conducting surveillance in Barrie's downtown area for drug activity.
"At that time, they observed the (man) engaged in what were believed to be drug transactions. As it also appeared that the (man) was in possession of a gun, the tactical support unit (TSU) was contacted," states the report. "A short time later, two unmarked TSU vehicles arrived and assumed surveillance of the (man). All TSU officers were attired in tactical uniforms."
The report says TSU officers converged on the man at 7:56 p.m. and he fled.
"While running, the (man) discarded a loaded Glock 9-mm handgun and a sizable quantity of what was believed to be fentanyl," it states. "After about six metres, the (man) was tackled to the ground on Mary Street and his face struck the pavement."
The man complained of facial pain and was transported directly to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre where X-rays confirmed a fractured nose.
The man was discharged from hospital at 11:15 p.m. and transported to Barrie police headquarters where he was charged with drug trafficking and possession of a restricted weapon.
Click here to read the full SIU report.
The provincial agency investigates incidents involving police and civilians resulting in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.
