Ont. police watchdog closes probe into Sudbury man’s fall during police raid

Ontario's police watchdog ends probe into Greater Sudbury Police Services raid where man jumped from a window.

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has closed its investigation into the serious injuries sustained by a 32-year-old man in Greater Sudbury after he fell from a fourth-storey window while evading police.

The incident occurred on May 29, when officers from the Greater Sudbury Police Service executed a search warrant at an apartment near the intersection of Elgin Street and Elm Street. According to the SIU, police entered the unit through an unlocked door, deployed a distraction device and announced their presence before the man exited through the window.

Investigation terminated following preliminary findings

“The man had no interaction with police prior to his decision to depart the premises via the fourth-floor window,” said Stacey O’Brien, the watchdog agency’s deputy director, in a news release Tuesday.

The man landed on the rooftop of a second-storey building, where he was arrested. He later complained of pain and was hospitalized with fluid accumulation near his kidney and liver.

Video footage supports the decision

“Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, corroborated by video footage, police were not responsible for the injuries sustained by the man,” the agency said.

With no basis for further investigation into potential criminal liability, the case has been closed.

Role of the SIU

The SIU is an independent civilian agency that probes incidents involving police and other officials that result in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or firearm discharges at a person. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the agency must assess whether criminal charges are warranted and publicly report its findings.