News Release
Former Peel Regional Police Officer Faces Charges in Relation to Mississauga Shooting
Case Number: 20-OFI-109
Other News Releases Related to Case 20-OFI-109
SIU Investigating After Woman Shot by Police Officer in Mississauga
Update: SIU Investigation into Peel Regional Police-Involved Shooting Nearing Completion
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that a former Peel Regional Police (PRP) officer committed criminal offences in relation to a shooting that occurred in May. As a result, Director Martino has caused charges to be laid against the former officer.
The SIU investigation found that on May 10, 2020, PRP officers attended a residence on Ledbury Crescent in Mississauga for a domestic call. There was an interaction between officers and individuals, and one officer discharged her firearm. Chantelle Krupka, a 34-year-old woman, was struck. She was transported to hospital for treatment.
As a result of the SIU investigation, former PRP officer Valerie Briffa is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
• One count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 221;
• One count of assault with a weapon, contrary to s. 267(a); and
• One count of careless use of firearm, contrary to s 86(1).
The SIU was recently made aware that Ms. Briffa has resigned from the police service.
Ms. Briffa was arrested at the SIU’s offices today and subsequently released on a promise to appear and an undertaking in which she is prevented from: speaking with, or being in proximity to, witnesses; and, possessing firearms or other weapons. She is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 7755 Hurontario Street in Brampton on August 4, 2020.
The matter is now properly before the courts. In consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
- publicly report the results of its investigations