THUNDER BAY - The use of a less-lethal firearm during an arrest by the Thunder Bay Police Service last weekend has resulted in an investigation by the province’s police watchdog.
The Special Investigations Unit has launched an investigation into the incident that occurred last Friday in the Intercity area.
According to the SIU, officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service responded to the Thunder Centre for reports of a man with a gun.
A man was located in the area and appeared to be carrying a handgun. An officer on the scene shot and struck the man with an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield or ARWEN, which can launch a variety of projectiles including plastic bullets, tear gas and less-lethal batons.
The 43-year-old man was placed under arrest and taken to the hospital as a precaution, but he did not suffer any injuries.
It was determined the handgun carried by the man was an Airsoft gun.
One subject officer has been designated as part of the investigation and five witness officers identified.
The SIU is called in to investigate any interaction involving police that results in injury, death, or accusations of sexual assault. It’s mandate also requires an investigation for the discharge of a firearm and an ARWEN is classified as a firearm.
