SIU looking at death of St. Catharines man

Man died after ‘struggle’ when Niagara police responded to a domestic incident on May 3

The province’s police watchdog agency is investigating after a 57year-old man died following a “struggle” with police in St. Catharines last week.

In a media release, Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit said Niagara Regional Police responded to a report of domestic incident at a home in the area of Pelham Road and Powerview Avenue on May 3.

Officers asked the 57-year-old man to leave the home and when he “began causing a disturbance in the front yard, officers attempted to arrest him,” said the SIU.

“A struggle ensued, and the man was handcuffed.”

Shortly afterwards, the man went unconscious, with officers administering first aid until Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics arrived, said the SIU.

The man was transported to hospital and died May 7.

The SIU said it is investigating circumstances surrounding the death. It has assigned three investigators and one forensic investigator to the case.

The NRP said it has not been authorized by the SIU to comment on the incident and is, therefore, “prohibited from providing information.”

Niagara EMS said it is unable to provide any further details because the Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate.

The SIU is urging anyone with information, including videos and photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or at http://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of policing officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.

‘‘ A struggle ensued, and the man was handcuffed.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT