SIU investigation into a fight involving a Peel police officer in Stratford terminated

The SIU ended its investigation into a fight involving a Peel Regional Police officer that left a man with a broken leg in a Stratford hotel.

The dispute reportedly happened in a Stratford hotel where a Peel Police officer was staying for a youth hockey tournament on Nov. 5, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said in a press release.

There was a dispute involving the officer, and two other men, the SIU said. One of the men allegedly adopted an aggressive posture towards the officer, as if intending to strike him, and the officer hit him twice in the face and once in the neck, the SIU said.

The man then fell to the ground and suffered a broken leg, the SIU added.

Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries SIU director Joseph Martino was not satisfied the Peel police officer “exercised the powers of a peace officer” in connection with the incident.

The officer was off-duty and therefore the SIU doesn’t have jurisdiction to continue its investigation. The file has been closed.

But the matter has been turned over to the Stratford Police Service for further investigation, the SIU said.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

SIU investigators are civilians.

SIU Discontinues Investigation into Conduct of Peel Police Officer, Found to be Off-Duty @PeelPolice @SPSmediaofficehttps://t.co/fCPBdrv0w2

Francais: https://t.co/nQlOmb5QVC

— Special Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) December 20, 2022