Ontario’s police oversight agency has found no criminal wrongdoing by officers in the overdose death of a 40-year-old Orangeville man who ingested windshield washer fluid while in custody.
The Special Investigations Unit announced on August 7, 2026 that it concluded its investigation into the incident, which began on April 9, 2026 when Ontario Provincial Police officers in Dufferin County responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence in Orangeville.
According to the SIU’s report, a woman told police that her husband had struck her vehicle with a baseball bat as she fled their home and that he had indicated he would drink himself to death. After being told he would be arrested for assaulting his wife, the man surrendered once a warrant was obtained and was taken to the OPP Dufferin Detachment.
While in custody, the man told officers he had consumed painkillers and was placed in a cell. When he began vomiting, he admitted to drinking windshield washer fluid. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of a drug overdose but later died.
SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe any officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s death. The SIU investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault.
The investigation was completed roughly four months after the man’s death. Residents seeking more information can review the full Director’s Report on the SIU website.
