SIU investigating after OPP officer discharges ‘less-lethal’ device on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after Ontario Provincial Police officers deployed a “less-lethal weapon” at a 38-year-old Quebec man during an investigation on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to a single-vehicle collision on Highway 401 in Bainsville Tuesday morning involving a vehicle that had travelled from Quebec into Ontario.

“During the interaction, an edged weapon was seen, and officers discharged a less-lethal device,” the OPP said in a media release.

“An individual was transported to hospital with minor injuries and was later released into police custody.”

The Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate and is investigating.

In a release, the SIU says the OPP responded to a vehicle in a ditch at around 3:30 a.m.

“Police report the occupant of the vehicle had an edged weapon and officers attempted to negotiate. The officers discharged ARWENs (anti-riot weapon Enfields) at the man and deployed a police service dog. The man was handcuffed and taken to hospital.”

Details on the injuries suffered by the 38-year-old man were not available.

Highway 401 was closed in both directions between Lancaster and Line Road 5 in Bainsville, and 4^th Line Road was closed due to the investigation.

The OPP released no other information about the investigation.