SIU Discontinues Investigation into Medical Episode at Attawapiskat First Nation NAPS Detachment

Press Release

Mississauga, ON (8 July, 2025) The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into an incident that occurred in March at the Attawapiskat First Nation NAPS Detachment.

In the early afternoon of March 3, 2025, a teenager was arrested in relation to a reported assault. She was transported to a police detachment to await a bail hearing. While in custody, the teen was observed on the floor, experiencing what appeared to be a seizure. Officers immediately entered the cell to assist her. She was placed in the recovery position and EMS was contacted. The teen was transported to the hospital where no acute medical concerns were identified.

Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of video footage that captured the incident, Director Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued at this time. On this record, there being no indication of any ‘serious injury’ within the statutory mandate of the SIU, there was an insufficient evidentiary foundation from which to continue the investigation. The unit was without jurisdiction to investigate the incident. The file has been closed.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

• consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
• depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
• publicly report the results of its investigations

Lisez ce communiqué en français.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES

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