SIU clears Barrie officer after man’s overdose during arrest attempt

Barrie police detachment (Mike Arsalides/CTV News)

The province’s police watchdog has closed the case on a man’s drug overdose last year in Barrie following a probe into the responding officer’s actions.

The Special Investigation’s Unit (SIU) cleared a Barrie police officer of any wrongdoing after a 61-year-old man reportedly overdosed while officers waited outside his home to arrest him.

According to the SIU, officers went to the man’s home in the Big Bay Point Road and Yonge Street area on Oct. 8, 2024, to take him into custody for allegedly breaching the conditions of an earlier release.

The man refused to come out and told the officers to get a warrant.

While waiting for a warrant to be issued, the SIU says officers saw the man through a window surrounded by alcohol and pill bottles. The agency says the man later opened the door and told the officers he had consumed a large amount of drugs and alcohol.

The officers called an ambulance, and the man was rushed to the hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Police Actions Deemed Appropriate

The SIU, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, determined the officer acted appropriately given the situation.

“The officer was well aware that he had no right to arrest the complainant inside his home short of a Feeney warrant or exigent circumstances," SIU director Joseph Martino wrote in his decision. “Those exigent circumstances arose, however, the moment the officer opened the door and observed that the complainant was suffering the effects of an overconsumption of drugs and alcohol.”

Martino added that the officer acted quickly to get medical help for the man and did not exhibit any “wanton or reckless disregard” for his safety.

No Charges Laid

The SIU was tasked with considering whether the officer’s actions amounted to criminal negligence, but concluded there were no reasonable grounds to lay charges.

“The evidence establishes that the officer comported himself with due care and regard for the complainant’s well-being throughout their engagement,” Martino stated.

With the investigation now closed, the SIU will not be taking any further action.