Criminal probe into suspected drowning

An O.P.P. helicopter circles the west end of Blockhouse Island toward Hardy Park during a search for a missing man on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston)

BROCKVILLE – A man pulled from the St. Lawrence River late Friday afternoon is now a criminal investigation.

Police said Saturday (Sept. 15) that no further details are being released as investigators work on this “sensitive and important situation.”

O.P.P. divers pulled the body of 33-year-old Damian Sobieraj from the water off Hardy Park in Brockville late Friday after police received calls about a man in the water between Henry Street and Home Street late Thursday night.

Police said Friday the death was suspicious but added on Saturday that it was a criminal investigation.

“Once an appropriate point in the investigation is met, updates will be given promptly,” Sgt. Darryl Boyd said.