SIU investigating after officer shoots non-lethal rounds at man in Brantford

Ontario’s police watchdog says it is investigating after a Brantford police officer shot an anti-riot weapon at a 41-year-old man Tuesday.

Officers from the Brantford Police Service were called to the area near a gas station at 206 Henry St. in Brantford for reports of a man threatening people with a knife.

They say an officer had fired an Anti-Riot Weapon ENfield (ARWEN) – a weapon classified as a firearm that can launch a variety of projectiles, including tear gas and plastic bullets – at the man.

Authorities say the man was not seriously injured. He was then handcuffed and taken to hospital.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) have assigned three investigators and one forensic investigator to the case.

The SIU’s mandate was invoked because an 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.

Anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.

READ MORE: Police watchdog clears OPP officer involved in 2024 fatal shooting in Kenora, Ont.