Ontario’s SIU investigating after officer discharges anti-riot weapon during investigation in Renfrew, Ont.

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 officers discharged their Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) during the arrest of a suspect following a disturbance at a home in Renfrew.

Ontario Provincial Police officers responded to a call for a domestic disturbance at a home on Munroe Avenue East in Renfrew Thursday afternoon.

The Special Investigations Unit says the suspect was reportedly involved in a disturbance, and fled from the scene.

“Officers located the man nearby, hiding in a residential yard,” the SIU said.

“There was an interaction with the man and police, and an officer discharged the ARWEN, striking the man.”

A 23-year-old man was arrested. The SIU says he was not seriously injured.

Ontario Provincial Police provided no other information about the incident.

The SIU says three investigators have been assigned to the case.

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 Special Investigations Unit says it invoked its mandate because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm.

The SIU investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in a death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.