OPP calls SIU to probe Norfolk arrests

NORFOLK COUNTY — The province’s Special Investigation Unit is probing the arrest of four men charged by the Ontario Provincial Police after a home invasion at a licensed medical marijuana growing operation.

Several intruders armed with handguns entered a Highway 3 residence Thursday night and restrained the occupants, Norfolk County OPP said Friday.

They allegedly stole marijuana and placed it into a vehicle that had been waiting in the driveway, police said.

When police arrived just before 10 p.m., the suspects fled on foot and the vehicle sped away.

The OPP said canine and tactical officers later found four men and arrested them without incident.

An 18-year-old North York man, 19-year-old Brampton man, 23-year-old Toronto man and 26-year-old Thornhill man face a long list of charges including break and enter, robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement, assault and firearm offences.

The OPP said as a result of officers’ interaction with the men, the detachment had notified the SIU.

In its news release, the OPP said it wouldn’t provide more details of the arrests now that the watchdog agency was involved.

The SIU investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death or sexual assault allegations.

An agency spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment Friday night.