The province’s Special Investigations Unit says an OPP officer has been charged after a man was seriously injured during an alleged incident in Trenton late last year.
On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the SIU issued a release, which states director Joseph Martino found reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed a criminal offence in relation to serious injuries a 40-year-old man in Trenton suffered last year.
“The SIU investigation found on the morning of Nov. 25, 2023, the officer saw the man urinate in front of the CIBC bank on Dundas Street West,” reads the release. “The officer handcuffed the man, and there was an (alleged) interaction between the officer and the man.
“The man was later taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with serious injuries.”
As a result of the SIU investigation, Const. Jeffry Szijarto was charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to section 267(b) of the Criminal Code, reported the SIU.
This charge has not been proven in court.
The accused is scheduled to appear in Belleville court on July 25 at 9 a.m.
“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.”
The SIU is described as an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as 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, it states online.
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.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
