The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has closed its case against Barrie police after a man was hurt while in custody.
The 27-year-old man suffered serious injuries last month while he was lodged in a Barrie police station cell.
Today, SIU director Joseph Martino announced he was terminating the investigation after it was learned that the man had punched the cell wall out of frustration.
According to the SIU, on Aug. 27 the man was arrested on domestic-related charges. He was brought to the police station and placed in a cell.
The following day, the man attended a video bail hearing, at which time he learned he was to be remanded back into custody.
The man was then escorted back to a cell by a special constable.
Once in the cell, the SIU says the man punched the wall, injuring his right hand. He was transferred to hospital where he was diagnosed with three fractures and a dislocation to his right hand.
“Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of the video recording of the man’s stay in cells on Aug. 28, 2020, it is apparent that the man’s injuries were self-inflicted through no fault of the police," Martino said in a release. "Frustrated with having been denied bail, the man forcefully punched the wall of his cell, causing his injuries in the process."
The SIU is an independent civilian agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
