(FIle photo)
A suspect arrested in an incident involving police use of a less lethal firearm was reportedly involved in a domestic disturbance before he was discovered hiding in a yard near Francis Street and Rotary Avenue.
“The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer discharged an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) at a 23-year-old man during his arrest in Renfrew last night. He was not seriously injured,” reads an SIU press release.
Officials say preliminary information suggests that around 3:50 p.m. on April 10, the man was reportedly involved in a domestic disturbance at a residence on Munroe Avenue East and fled the scene.
“Officers located the man nearby, hiding in a residential yard. There was an interaction with the man and police, and an officer discharged the ARWEN, striking the man. He was arrested and not seriously injured,” reads the release.
Three investigators have been assigned to the case.
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
“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,” reads the release.
(Sherry Haaima)