An investigation into a September arrest in Sudbury has been terminated by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) after video surveillance confirmed a suspect injured himself while in police custody.
SIU director Joseph Martino reported that on Sept. 26, Greater Sudbury Police arrested a man for assault and uttering threats. He was lodged in a police holding cell overnight until the next afternoon, when he was brought to another room for a video conference, during which he learned he was being remanded into custody instead of being released.
Angered at the news, the man punched a wall inside the video conference room, requiring him to be taken to hospital to treat his now-broken hand.
“Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, which included a review of video recordings taken of the man’s time in custody, it is evident that the man is alone to blame for his broken hand,” Martino said.
“On this record, as there is patently nothing to further investigate regarding the potential criminal liability of any police officer in connection with the man’s fracture, the investigation is hereby discontinued and the file is closed.”
The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or an allegation of sexual assault.
