SIU clears Hamilton police in New Year’s Day crisis call

Ontario's police watchdog has cleared Hamilton police officers of wrongdoing in its investigation into a man in crisis who jumped from an overpass on New Year's Day.

The 57-year-old suffered serious injuries when he jumped from the Kenilworth Avenue South overpass onto King Street East on Jan. 1.

According to the Special Investigations Unit report, the man had called 911 asking that traffic be stopped on King because he intended to jump. Officers quickly arrived on scene and the mobile crisis rapid response team (MCRRT) was called. However, the man jumped while the specialized crisis response team was en route.

Joseph Martino, SIU director, concluded that the five officers at the scene acted appropriately.

They quickly halted traffic in the area, called for the deployment of the MCRRT, and did what they could to convince the complainant to not hurt himself, all the while maintaining a comfortable distance," Martino concluded.

Regrettably, the complainant could not be deterred, but that was through no want of trying on the part of the officers on the bridge."

Reach The Spectator newsroom at 905-526-3420 or news@thespec.com