Police Watchdog Clears Officer in Ottawa Custody Medical Incident
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared an Ottawa Police Service officer of any criminal wrongdoing following a medical emergency involving a 43-year-old man who was in custody at the Elgin Street station. SIU director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe the officer, who had ultimate responsibility for prisoner care, committed a criminal offence in connection with the October 2025 incident.
Timeline of the Custodial Medical Event
According to the SIU report, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- The man was arrested on October 13, 2025, at approximately 1 p.m. on outstanding warrants at a rooming house.
- He was searched around 2 p.m. before being placed in a cell at the Elgin Street station.
- Later that evening, officers noticed the man was not acting normally and activated cell-monitoring video recording.
- At 11:35 p.m., video showed the man lying on the floor of his cell.
- When officers checked on him, they found him unresponsive with irregular breathing and a small amount of blood coming from his nose.
- Narcan (naloxone) was administered and paramedics were called.
- Paramedics arrived at approximately 11:50 p.m. and transported the man to hospital.
- Hospital diagnosis confirmed toxic ingestion of an illicit substance.
Medical History and Officer Response
The SIU report revealed important details about the man's medical background and the police response:
- The man had denied drug or alcohol use before his arrest but mentioned he had epilepsy and might suffer a seizure.
- During a thorough search prior to cell placement, no drugs were found on his person.
- The man later indicated he had consumed a substance either before arrest or while in custody.
- Since he continued to appear well, this revelation did not trigger heightened monitoring measures.
- When the medical crisis occurred, officers responded quickly with appropriate first-aid measures.
Martino noted in his decision: "When the Complainant suddenly fell ill in his cell, the evidence indicates that officers responded quickly to provide appropriate first-aid."
Notification Delay Raises Concerns
While clearing the officer of criminal wrongdoing, Martino expressed concern about the Ottawa Police Service's delayed notification to the SIU. The service was aware the man was in life-threatening condition as early as 1:23 a.m. on October 14, 2025, but did not notify the SIU until approximately 3:00 p.m. that same day.
Martino emphasized: "Late notifications of this nature jeopardize the integrity of SIU investigations, detract from the SIU's independence and credibility, and undermine the public's confidence in policing and policing oversight."
About the Special Investigations Unit
The SIU is an independent civilian agency that investigates incidents involving police officers in Ontario that result in death, serious injury, allegations of sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. The unit operates separately from police services to ensure impartial oversight of law enforcement activities.
This case highlights the complex challenges police face when individuals in custody experience medical emergencies, particularly when substance use may be involved. While the officer was cleared of criminal responsibility, the notification delay raises procedural questions about police accountability and transparency in serious incidents.
