Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has concluded that Timmins police officers failed to provide timely medical assistance to a woman who suffered a concussion during an intimate partner violence call in January. The incident, which began as a domestic dispute, escalated when officers used Tasers on two individuals and one woman was punched in the head, resulting in her injury.
Details of the Incident
According to the SIU report released on June 23, 2026, the altercation occurred in Timmins in January 2026. Officers responded to a call about intimate partner violence. During the intervention, two people were tasered, and a woman sustained a concussion after being punched in the head. The SIU investigation found that police did not arrange for immediate medical evaluation for the injured woman, despite visible signs of head trauma.
SIU Findings and Conclusions
The SIU determined that the officers' failure to seek medical help constituted a breach of duty. The report stated that the woman's concussion required prompt medical attention, which was delayed due to police inaction. The SIU did not specify whether charges would be laid against the officers but emphasized the need for improved protocols in handling injuries during police interventions.
Impact and Recommendations
The case highlights ongoing concerns about police response to medical needs during arrests. The SIU recommended that Timmins police review their procedures for assessing and addressing injuries at the scene. The woman was later treated at a hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion. No further details about her condition were provided. The incident has sparked calls for better training and accountability in police services across Ontario.
