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The director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has determined no wrong-doing on the part of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) after, on Dec. 14 of last year, an individual in police custody was transported to hospital suffering from a drug overdose.
As outlined in the SIU Director's Report, officers responded to a Queen Street address for a domestic dispute call at 6:43 p.m.
"The Complainant, 32 years of age, was arrested for breaching his release conditions and mischief," the report continues. "At 2:05 p.m., the Complainant was handcuffed and taken to the police station. At 2:26 p.m., he was placed in a cell. At 3:30 p.m., when a cell check was made, he was lying on the bench. Paramedics were called at 3:50 p.m. when the Complainant appeared to be in medical distress.
"He was taken to the Sault Area Hospital where he was released from police custody, admitted, and placed in the intensive care unit (ICU), the result of drug overdose. The Complainant’s condition was not considered life threatening and it was thought he would be released from hospital within 24 hours."
The full Director's Report regarding this incident can be viewed here.
A news release issued today by the SIU states that "The officer with overall responsibility for the care and well-being of prisoners at the time was identified as the subject official for purposes of the SIU investigation."
SIU Director Joseph Martino found "no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s time in custody."