The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has determined there are no reasonable grounds to believe that a Chatham-Kent Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the drowning death of a 29-year-old man on April 7, 2021.
Back in April, SIU officials allege at approximately 6:15 p.m. on April 6, 2021, Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) officers responded to the area of Wallace Street and McDougal Street for a report of suspicious persons.
“When the officers arrived, a man and woman fled on foot,” SIU officials allege.
“The man then proceeded to enter the Sydenham River. Officers and civilians also entered the waters in an attempt to aid the man, but they were unable to locate him.”
SIU officials added: “At approximately 10:40 a.m. (on April 7, 2021), members of the CKPS Marine Unit and the Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services (CKFES) Dive Team located the man’s body.”
In his report, Joseph Martino, the director of the SIU, said he is satisfied that the subject officer “comported himself with due care and regard for the Complainant’s health and well-being” in the measures he took after the man entered the river.
“The officer kept his dispatch informed of the situation and quickly made a request for the attendance of the fire department, which was better practiced and resourced for these types of situations,” Martino said in his report.
“There is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges in this case, and the file is closed.”
To read Martino’s full report, click here.
Two investigators and one forensic investigator were assigned to the case, SIU officials say.
