The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has determined there is no criminal liability to investigate after a Collingwood man fell from a second-floor bedroom window and broke his wrist, allegedly attempting to escape police.
The SIU reported that on Dec. 17, 2020 local OPP were called to an apartment in Collingwood for a report of an “unwanted individual in one of the units.”
The apartments occupied the second floor of a strip mall with businesses in the first floor units.
“While the officers were outside the apartment door, a man from inside the unit attempted to escape through a bedroom window to avoid apprehension,” noted a media release from the SIU. “In doing so, the [42-year-old] man fell about five metres to the ground below, fracturing his right wrist in the process.”
The SIU is called in to investigate the conduct of police officers where a person has been injured or has died while in custody or being apprehended.
SIU Director Joseph Martino said this Collingwood investigation has been closed after preliminary inquiries.
“I am satisfied that there is patently nothing to investigate as far as the potential criminal liability of any police officer is concerned in connection with the man’s injury,” stated Martino in a news release, noting the two OPP officers were at the door of the apartment but not inside of it when the man fell. “On this record, it is apparent that the man is alone responsible for his injuries.”
