The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has concluded its investigation and cleared officers of the York Regional Police of any wrongdoing concerning an incident that resulted in the injury of a 17-year-old male. This incident occurred during the youth's arrest related to a carjacking that took place in Thornhill, Ontario.
The events unfolded shortly after midnight on June 13, when police received reports of a carjacking. The location of the incident was the parking lot of a plaza situated in the vicinity of Highway 7 East and Times Avenue. According to investigators, the situation escalated when three individuals were attempting to enter their car. They were confronted by two armed men who produced a firearm and demanded the keys to the vehicle.
In response to the emergency call, the York Regional Police dispatched units to the scene. With the assistance of the Air Support Unit, they managed to track down the vehicles involved in the carjacking. Following a brief police pursuit, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot after it came to a halt on Lynnbrook Drive in Toronto.
During the arrest of the 17-year-old, police officers tackled him, which subsequently led to a serious injury—specifically, a broken jaw. This aspect of the arrest drew scrutiny, prompting the SIU to investigate the use of force employed by the officers involved.
After a thorough examination of the events surrounding the arrest, SIU Director Joseph Martino stated that the level of force used by the officers was deemed reasonable under the circumstances they faced. The SIU concluded that the officers acted appropriately given the potential threat posed by the armaments involved in the carjacking.
The investigation has now been officially closed, concluding that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the York Regional Police. The SIU operates as an independent governmental body, specifically tasked with investigating matters concerning police officials that may have led to death, serious injuries, sexual assaults, or the discharge of firearms at individuals.
