WARNING: This story contains content some may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
The head of Ontario’s police watchdog says there’s no basis for an investigation after a man gave himself serious injuries following a call from an Ottawa detective.
Joseph Martino, director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), said in a release Monday that the provincial police watchdog has terminated an investigation into injuries sustained by a 51-year-old man in Carlsbad Springs last month.
The release stated that an Ottawa Police Service (OPS) detective phoned the man in his east Ottawa home on Jan. 26 to tell him that he was under investigation for an incident.
An OPS spokesperson later told Global News the man was under investigation by the force’s sexual assault and child abuse unit, and said he was subsequently charged with multiple sexual offences in early February.
Afterwards, the man slit his wrists and shot himself with a nail gun, according to the SIU. He was then transported to hospital with serious injuries.
An SIU spokesperson confirmed to Global News that the man survived his injuries.
Martino said in the release that, based on a review of emergency medical services and police communication recordings, there is “patently nothing to investigate” as far as the detective’s criminal responsibility for the man’s wounds.
“On this record, it is evident that the man is alone responsible for the grievous injuries he self-inflicted. Accordingly, the investigation is hereby discontinued and the file is closed,” Martino said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.
Crisis Services Canada’s toll-free helpline provides 24-7 support at 1-833-456-4566.
Kids Help Phone operates a toll-free helpline at 1-800-668-6868 with 24-7 support for young people as well as the Crisis Text Line, which can be reached by texting HOME to 686868.
The toll-free Hope for Wellness helpline provides 24-7 support for Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310. Online chat services are also available.
Trans Lifeline operates a toll-free peer support hotline for trans and questioning people at 1-877-330-6366.
For a directory of support services in your area, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.