SIU called in after drug raid results in injury

The province’s Special Investigations Unit has been called in after a suspect complained of pain after he was arrested during a Niagara Regional Police drug raid in downtown St. Catharines Wednesday.

Monica Hudon, SIU communications manager, said the man was transported to hospital diagnosed with a serious injury. The SIU is the civilian oversight agency responsible for investigating circumstances involving police that result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault of a civilian.

The NRP emergency task unit arrived at a multi-unit building on Niagara Street between Church and North streets with a search warrant after receiving information of a possible weapon at the premises during a drug trafficking investigation. The street crime unit began its investigation last month.

There were 10 people in the residence, of which police arrested three St. Catharines residents. The other seven were released unconditionally.

Corey Michael Goddard, 31, is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds obtained by crime and failure to comply with a probation order. Kaitlyn Elizabeth Best, 30, and Sean A. Rosenthal, 28, are each charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession an opioid and possession of proceeds obtained by crime.