Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has ruled that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer will not face criminal charges after a 27-year-old man suffered a fractured right orbital bone during an arrest in Rockland back in March of this year.

Key Details of the Incident

· The stop: OPP officers pulled over the driver of an SUV on County Road 17 following reports of a speeding vehicle believed to be involved in multiple single-vehicle collisions.

· The struggle: While being removed from the vehicle and arrested for dangerous driving, a physical struggle ensued, during which the driver tripped an OPP officer.

· The use of force: A second officer intervened, punching the driver and forcing him to the ground to gain control. The suspect suffered a fractured right orbital bone during the encounter.

· The charges: The 27-year-old driver was hospitalized for his injuries and later charged with assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, impaired driving, and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

Because a serious injury occurred during a police interaction, Ontario’s civilian police oversight agency, the SIU automatically invoked its mandate to investigate. Director Martino closed the file after determining the force used by the officer was legally justified under the circumstances to handle a combatative suspect.