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Durham

Ontario's police watchdog investigates after officer fired Taser at 15-year-old boy

The logo of the Ontario Special Investigations Unit is pictured in Toronto on Friday, April 12, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey)

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Durham officer discharged a Taser and an anti-riot weapon at a 15-year-old boy in north Oshawa on Sunday.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said Durham Regional Police, along with a mental health officer, attended a home on Simcoe Street North in relation to a family disturbance, just before 5 p.m.

The SIU says officers attempted to negotiate with the teen before “an interaction” prompted an officer to discharge an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) and a Taser at him.

The teen was apprehended under the Mental Health Act, the SIU says, and transported to a hospital to be assessed. The SIU adds that the teen did not sustain any serious injury.

The SIU – an independent government agency that investigates police conduct – invoked its mandate because an officer fired a less-lethal weapon that is classified as a firearm.

Anyone with information about the investigation, including photos or videos, is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529.