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SIU drops drug overdose investigation in Guelph

The Special Investigations Unit's office in Mississauga. Nick Westoll / File / Global News

Ontario’s police watchdog says it is ending its investigation into a woman’s drug overdose in Guelph in December 2020.

On the night of Dec. 13, Guelph police were sent to locate a 22-year-old woman who was threatening to hurt herself.

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She was found in her vehicle in a parking lot at the University of Guelph.

The Special Investigations Unit said officers tried to speak with her through the closed driver’s door window.

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After police spent 15 minutes attempting to dissuade the woman from harming herself, she swallowed a large quantity of prescription medication, the SIU said in a news release.

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Click to play video: 'SIU director speaks 1-on-1 with Global News anchor Farah Nasser'
SIU director speaks 1-on-1 with Global News anchor Farah Nasser

The officer then broke the window and removed the woman. She was taken to a hospital and spent time in the Intensive Care Unit.

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“Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, it is evident that the officers on scene did nothing to cause or contribute to the woman’s overdose,” SIU director Joseph Martino said in a statement.

“As a result, there is no question of potential criminal liability on the part of any police officer. The investigation is hereby discontinued and the file is closed.”

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