No charges to be laid against officer who punched Hamilton man in face: SIU

Ontario’s police watchdog says no charges will be laid against a Hamilton police officer who punched a man in the face last April.

Hamilton police responded to reports of a family disturbance at a home on Neil Ave. on April 6.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says an officer attempted to arrest a man after he allegedly attacked his father.

“During a struggle, the officer delivered two right-hand punches to the man’s face,” said the SIU in a news release. “The man was taken to hospital via ambulance, and diagnosed with a fractured nose.”

SIU Director Joseph Martino determined that the evidence showed the punches were not excessive in the circumstances.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.