The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has found that no criminal offence occurred after an altercation in Huron OPP custody left a 69-year-old man with two fractured ribs.
The victim was the man accused of assaulting a North Huron councillor on February 17, 2026.
According to the SIU Director's report, he was arrested on March 4 around 2:30 p.m.
Around three hours later, he was processed to be released on an undertaking. However, he became upset about a release condition that said he was not to attend the North Huron Council Chambers.
Officers then attempted to escort the man back to the cells while the release paperwork was changed, but the man refused to put his hands behind his back. Officers brought him to the ground, where he was eventually handcuffed.
While back in the cells, the man complained of lower back pain and was taken to Clinton Hospital around 7 p.m., where he was found to have two fractured ribs.
SIU Director Joseph Martino found that, while the rib fractures were a result of an officer applying a knee to the back, the injuries were not a result of unlawful conduct by the police.
"I am satisfied that the (officer) used lawful force when the Complainant did not to willingly return to his cell," he wrote. "The officer tried to direct him verbally and then grappled with him for a time as the Complainant refused to place his arms behind the back and then took hold of the edge of a desk counter and refused to let go. On this record, forcing the Complainant to the floor, with the help of another officer arriving to assist, seems a reasonable escalation of force."
With no basis for proceeding with criminal charges, the SIU has closed the case.
