Ontario's civilian police watchdog has launched an investigation after an Ottawa Police Service officer used a conducted energy weapon, commonly known as a Taser, on a man experiencing a mental-health crisis, leaving him with serious injuries.
Family Alerted Police to Crisis
According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the incident began in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026. A woman contacted the Ottawa Police Service to report that a 35-year-old family member was in the midst of a mental-health crisis and had left their residence in a vehicle.
Confrontation in Barrhaven
Police officers located the vehicle in the Barrhaven neighbourhood, in the area of Longfield Drive and Cambrian Street. The SIU states that officers attempted to negotiate with the man, who was allegedly in possession of a knife. At some point during the encounter, an officer broke a window of the vehicle and deployed a Taser against the man.
The 35-year-old man was subsequently transported to hospital with what the SIU classifies as serious injuries. The specifics of his injuries have not been publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Independent Investigation
The SIU is an independent civilian agency mandated to investigate incidents involving police in Ontario that result in death, serious injury, allegations of sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. Their investigation into this incident is now active, which will involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the actions of the involved officers.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges and scrutiny surrounding police interactions with individuals in mental distress. The use of force, particularly conducted energy weapons, in such sensitive situations remains a significant topic of public and policy debate across Canada.
