The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after South Georgian Bay OPP officers discharged Anti-Riot Weapon Enfields (ARWEN) yesterday on the Georgian Bay.
On May 28, 2022, police became aware of a man on a boat on the Georgian Bay who was in possession of firearms. Officers with the OPP marine unit and tactical team located the 72-year-old man, and an interaction ensued. Officers discharged their ARWENs in the direction of the man’s boat, and the man was apprehended and taken to hospital. He was not diagnosed with any serious injury.
Two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.
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
