PORT ELGIN, Ont. - Ontario's Special Investigations Unit says there are no grounds to charge any police officer with a criminal offence in the death of a 47-year-old man in Port Elgin last year.
The police watchdog says its probe into the June 21 incident determined that an altercation took place after a man -- who appeared confused and aggressive -- broke into a neighbour's home and was confronted by the owner.
Two Saugeen Shores Police Service officers, with the assistance of the homeowner, tried to bring the man under control and arrest him but due to the man's strenuous resistance, were unable to get him in handcuffs.
The SIU says a third officer helped overpower and handcuff the man in a prone position but that he then fell into acute medical distress, went limp and stopped breathing.
Despite the efforts of the officers and paramedics, the man could not be revived and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
SIU Director Tony Loparco says the officers used no more force than was reasonably necessary under the circumstances, adding the man was being aggressive and resisting arrest.
