SIU concludes investigation into arrest of armed man in Hamilton

The Special Investigations Unit has concluded that Hamilton officers involved in the arrest of a man who was allegedly armed, resulting in a fractured nose, are cleared of any wrongdoing.

On the evening of May 5, 2023, officers from the Hamilton Police Service responded to a call of a man reportedly brandishing a firearm near the intersection of Bay St. and King St. W.

It is alleged that a dispute took place involving a man and other patrons at the George Hamilton Restaurant and Brewery, located at 152 King St. W.

The situation reportedly escalated, leading the man to wave what appeared to be a firearm before he fled the establishment.

According to the SIU, the first officer on the scene was positioned in a cruiser and confronted the 37-year-old man, ordering him to the ground at gunpoint.

Shortly after, additional officers arrived for support.

During the incident, another officer approached the man from behind—pushing him with both hands, causing the man to fall and sustain a face injury, which led to unconsciousness.

There appeared to be swelling and bruising extending to the left side of the man’s face and cheek area. Paramedics took the man to Hamilton General Hospital.

A medical examination subsequently revealed that the man had a fractured nose.

Following a through review of the available evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined that no reasonable grounds existed to support criminal charges against any officer in relation to the man’s arrest and injury. As a result, the case has been closed.