SIU investigating after OPP discharge ARWEN during arrest of male suspect carrying a firearm in Stone Mills

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer discharged an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at a 58-year-old man in Greater Napanee yesterday.

Preliminary information suggests the following:

• After 11 a.m. on Jan. 3, the OPP received a 911 call regarding a man in distress at his residence near Highway 41 and County Road 14 in the Township of Stone Mills.
• Officers were dispatched to the home. The man exited the home carrying a firearm.
• One of the officers fired his ARWEN at the man. A police dog subdued the man.
• Officers apprehended under the Mental Health Act and he was taken to hospital.
• The man was not seriously injured.

Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to this case. One subject official and nine witness officials have been designated at this time.

The SIU’s mandate was invoked because a police officer discharged an ARWEN, which is classified as a firearm. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, a firearm is defined as a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

*Update* The OPP have added the following information:

On Jan.  3 at approximately 11 a.m., members of the Lennox & Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a person barricaded in a residence on Holden Road in Stone Mills Township.

The OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), and L&A County OPP officers attended the scene and an individual was taken into custody after an interaction with officers. The individual was treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

The OPP has notified the Province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) which has invoked its mandate. As a result the OPP will not be able to provide any further information. Any other inquiries should be directed to SIU Communications at (416) 622-2342.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122