CORNWALL – The Ontario Special Investigations Unit has cleared a Cornwall police officer after a man “in despair” cut his own throat with a box cutter knife during an interaction with police.
Police were called around 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2020 after a man had ran from his home near Brookdale Avenue and First Street West after he “ingested a large quantity of medication,” the SIU said. According to the transcript of the 911 call, it was a large quantity of pills.
Paramedics and police were called and an officer found the suicidal man near the Four Seasons Car Wash – about 280 meters (920 feet) from the man’s home.
“The man pulled a knife out of his pocket, prompting the officer to draw his conducted energy weapon (CEW). The man then cut his throat with a knife causing serious injury,” the SIU explained.
The officer “at about the same time” fired his Taser but it had no effect. He then rushed to the man and applied pressure to his neck to stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.
The 32-year-old man was taken to hospital and treated for his serious injuries.
Given what happened, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there is no basis for criminal charges and closed the case.