SIU cancels investigation after complainant refuses to co-operate

An investigation into a break-in suspect’s complaint of a painful arrest has been terminated — due to the man’s lack of co-operation. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit said Wednesday it will not pursue the case any further as a result of the complainant refusing to meet with SIU, declining to provide a statement or to even speak with SIU, and making it impossible to obtain his medical consent. The investigation began after the subject was arrested by Windsor police on Oct. 23 around 1 a.m. at a business on Chatham Street East. Officers had responded to a report of a break-in when they found the man inside the business property. A struggle took place during the arrest. The man was transported to Windsor police headquarters, where he began complaining of pain. He was then taken to a hospital for examination and treatment. SIU could not confirm the man’s injuries because of the lack of his medical consent. Furthermore, SIU was unable to obtain that consent because investigators couldn’t locate the complainant. Investigators could only communicate with family members and “various individuals” associated with the man. Through those family members and associates, the suspect relayed to SIU that he didn’t want to provide a statement and he would not meet with SIU representatives. “The man refused to co-operate with the SIU investigation,” said Tony Loparco, director of SIU. “Accordingly, I have terminated the investigation into this incident.” The Special Investigations Unit is an arm’s-length civilian agency empowered by the Police Services Act to examine incidents involving police where there has been death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault.