SIU clears Barrie police officer following holding cell incident involving erratic woman

A cell block is seen in this image. (FILE)

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has concluded its investigation into an interaction between Barrie Police Service officers and a woman in custody, determining there are no grounds for criminal charges.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 22, when a 31-year-old woman was arrested for public intoxication. Police say she was taken into custody without incident, transported to the Barrie Police Station, and lodged in a holding cell.

According to the SIU, the woman’s behaviour became increasingly erratic while in the cell.

Special constables observed her repeatedly striking her head against hard surfaces and alerted police officers on duty. Officers initially attempted to calm her from outside the cell, but later entered when she continued to cause harm to herself.

A struggle followed, during which the woman was taken out of the cell and restrained on the floor.

The SIU says paramedics were called to the scene, where they administered two rounds of sedation. The woman was then taken to the hospital, where she was treated for serious scalp lacerations.

Toxicology results later revealed that there was amphetamines and benzodiazepines in her system.

After reviewing the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino concluded there were no reasonable grounds to believe a criminal offence was committed by any officer in connection with the woman’s injuries.