Northwestern Ont. man shot during arrest, investigation underway

The ARWEN launcher fires a solid plastic projectile, called a baton, intended to disable a suspect instead of killing them. (File photo)

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot with an anti-riot weapon by officers responding to an assault in the northwestern part of the province Sunday morning.

Paramedics who were called to a home in Onigaming First Nation contacted police when the individual became confrontational, forcing them to retreat, Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit said in a news release Monday.

Treaty Three Police Service, along with the Ontario Provincial Police emergency response team and canine unit, responded shortly before 6 a.m. June 8, OPP said.

The scene was contained and as the man was exiting the residence, an interaction between him and police led to one of the officers discharging his crowd control device at the man.

The weapon -- known as an ARWEN -- is a less lethal launcher system that is classified as a firearm.

The 22-year-old man was struck, but did not suffer any serious injury, the SIU said.

Police did specify the type of munition used.

He was arrested and the OPP notified the SIU, which invoked its mandate to investigate instances when police discharged a firearm at an individual.

“Two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case,” SIU said.

“The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php."

The agency will investigate whether or not there are grounds for criminal charges or if the use of force was reasonable in the circumstances. Its findings will be published publicly.

Support to people affected by the incident is offered by the SIU, including loved ones, family members and civilian witnesses.

“If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php," the SIU said.

“The aim of the program is to meaningfully respond to the emotional and practical needs of those persons impacted by incidents under SIU investigation.”

Onagaming First Nation is located 115 kilometres southeast of Kenora near the Manitoba border.