Ontario's police watchdog has concluded that no criminal offences were committed by officers during an incident that left a Windsor man injured. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) released its findings on Thursday, January 8, 2026, closing the file after a thorough review of the circumstances.
Details of the SIU Investigation
The SIU, an independent civilian agency that investigates police conduct involving death, serious injury, or sexual assault allegations, was called to examine the actions of Windsor police. The investigation centered on an interaction between officers and a local man that resulted in the individual sustaining an injury. The unit's director, Joseph Martino, determined that the evidence collected did not meet the threshold for laying criminal charges against the involved officers.
The SIU's mandate is invoked automatically when such incidents occur, ensuring oversight independent of the police service in question. In this case, investigators interviewed witnesses, examined physical evidence, and reviewed relevant documentation. The unit's report, while not disclosing specific medical details of the injury due to privacy provisions, concluded that the officers' actions did not constitute a criminal act under Canadian law.
Outcome and Next Steps
With the criminal investigation now closed, the matter is considered resolved by the SIU. The file will not be forwarded to the Crown for prosecution. This finding does not preclude other potential reviews, such as an internal conduct investigation by the Windsor Police Service's professional standards branch, which operates under a different, regulatory framework.
The SIU's announcement brings a definitive close to this particular case, which had been under investigation since the incident occurred. The unit emphasizes that its role is strictly to determine whether there is evidence of a criminal offence, not to make findings on policy, training, or civil liability.
The conclusion was formally communicated on January 8, 2026, as confirmed in the SIU's public reporting. The Windsor Police Service has acknowledged the SIU's report and its findings.
