SIU investigating after alleged impaired driver injured during arrest

A Windsor Police Service vehicle. (CBC News - image credit)
A Windsor Police Service vehicle. (CBC News - image credit)

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating after a man accused of impaired driving, assault and fleeing police was injured during an arrest.

Police say they received complaints that a driver hit a fence on Central Avenue after 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

"When officers arrived, the motorist refused to stop and sped away erratically. In the interest of public safety, officers didn't pursue the vehicle," police said in a media release Wednesday.

According to police, the homeowner confronted the driver about the fence, and he was assaulted. His injuries were not life-threatening, police say.

Police said that the vehicle was quickly found at a home at Tourangeau Road.

"Upon seeing the officers, the suspect attempted to run away but was apprehended after a brief foot chase," police said.

Police say they notified the SIU, which investigates serious injuries, deaths and allegations of sexual assault involving police in Ontario.

A spokesperson for the SIU said "upon arrest the man was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with serious injuries" but didn't specify what those injuries were.

He was later released from hospital and into police custody, the spokesperson said.

Windsor police say a 29-year-old man is facing charges of assault, dangerous driving, impaired driving, failing to remain at the scene of a collision. He was also arrested on warrants unrelated to the crash.