WUNNUMIN LAKE — The Special Investigations Unit says police "did nothing that could conceivably attract criminal liability" in connection with a man's possible overdose and "medical episode" in Nishnawbe Aski Police Service custody.
During the booking process, the 36-year-old man reportedly lost consciousness and fell down, prompting the officer to administer two doses of Narcan, which is a branded form of naloxone, according to the SIU.
The man reportedly regained consciousness, the booking process was completed and he was put into a jail cell.
He then suffered what the SIU said appeared to be a seizure, and was taken to the local health centre where staff treated him for ethanol withdrawal.
The police watchdog invoked its mandate over the incident, which took place on Feb. 8 in Wunnumin Lake First Nation, and SIU director Joseph Martino terminated the investigation following its preliminary inquiries.
“It was apparent that the officer did nothing that could conceivably attract criminal liability in connection with the incident,” a SIU news release issued Tuesday said. “Rather, his actions contributed to the preservation of the man’s continued well-being.”
“Accordingly, there being patently nothing to investigate as far as the potential criminal liability of the police was concerned, the file has been closed.”
According the release, the man was arrested after police were called by a family member, informing them that the man was no longer welcome in a home.
The director issued his ruling based on the agency’s preliminary inquiries, including reviewing video footage.
The SIU investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and the discharge of a firearm at a person to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
