SIU Clears Ottawa Police in Woman's Broken Wrist Incident During Arrest
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has officially cleared Ottawa police officers of any wrongdoing following an incident last September where a 55-year-old woman sustained a broken wrist during an arrest. The SIU's detailed report, which was released recently, concludes that the injury occurred accidentally when the woman lost her footing while being escorted by officers.
Details of the September Incident
According to the SIU report, police were called to a residence near Queen Mary Street and the Vanier Parkway in response to a reported assault. Upon arrival, officers arrested the 55-year-old woman for assault. She was handcuffed and then escorted down a flight of stairs to the main level of the building.
During this process, the SIU noted that the woman lost her footing and fell, resulting in a broken right arm. Paramedics were promptly called to the scene and transported her to a hospital for medical treatment. The report emphasizes that the fall happened while she was in police custody but was not caused by any actions from the officers.
SIU Director's Findings
SIU Director Joseph Martino reviewed the case thoroughly and found no evidence that the police officers were responsible for the woman's fall. The report explicitly states, "She simply lost her footing in her intoxicated state," attributing the accident to her condition at the time rather than any misconduct or negligence by law enforcement.
This conclusion is based on witness statements and evidence collected during the investigation, which did not indicate any use of excessive force or improper handling by the officers involved. The SIU's role is to investigate incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault, and in this instance, they determined that no charges were warranted.
Context and Implications
This case highlights the challenging situations police officers often face when dealing with individuals who are intoxicated or under the influence. It also underscores the importance of independent oversight bodies like the SIU in ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions.
For the Ottawa Police Service, this clearance from the SIU may help mitigate public concerns about police conduct, though it also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with arrests and the need for careful handling of detainees, especially those in vulnerable states.
The incident occurred in September, and the SIU's report was finalized and released in January, following a standard investigative timeline. No further details about the woman's condition or any potential legal proceedings related to the initial assault charge have been disclosed publicly.
