OPP officer cleared after man shot with anti-riot weapon in Midland

SIU clears officer of shooting anti-riot weapons at a Midland's knife-wielding man.

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared a police officer after he fired an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield at a 28-year-old man in Midland last fall.

The incident happened around 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2025, behind the Guesthouse Shelter on Elizabeth Street.

Ontario Provincial Police officers were called after several 911 callers reported a man with a knife allegedly chasing a woman in the area.

According to the SIU, the man ran from police and threw the knife away. Police stated that he ignored repeated commands to stop.

An officer then fired three ARWEN rounds, causing the man to fall to the ground. The report stated that he was arrested at the scene and taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

Officials confirmed that he did not suffer serious injuries.

SIU Director Joseph Martino said the officer’s actions were reasonable given the situation. He noted the ARWEN is a less-lethal option and allowed the officer to stop the man from a safe distance without anyone being seriously hurt.

As a result, the SIU found no grounds to lay criminal charges against the officer.