Police watchdog investigating after anti-riot weapon used on Cambridge man
Posted Apr 27, 2025 07:22:58 AM.
Last Updated Apr 27, 2025 09:28:22 AM.
An investigation is underway through the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) after an anti-riot weapon was used on a 57-year-old man in Cambridge.
The incident took place on Friday, Apr. 25 around 10:45 a.m. when Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) was called about a potential domestic issue at a local Super 8 hotel in the city. Police say they were told prior that the suspect in question was armed with a potential edged weapon.
Officers arrived at the scene at 11:30 a.m. where they “became involved in an interaction with the male,” according to a media release.
Police say officers deployed an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN), known as a less-lethal launcher, which can range in uses from tear gas, plastic impact batons, and more.
The 57-year-old Cambridge man was struck by the weapon in the process and was then arrested at the scene. He was later transported to hospital but did not suffer any serious injuries.
The SIU is now looking further into the incident, assigning two investigators as well as a forensic investigator to the case. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
The agency is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has either photos or video of it to reach out at 1-800-787-8529 or online through the SIU website.
