News Release
SIU Investigates in Owen Sound
Case Number: 05-OCD-041
Other News Releases Related to Case 05-OCD-041
On April 3, 2005, Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS) officers arrested Mr. Orser on an outstanding warrant. At approximately 6:25 p.m. that date, he was lodged in a cell at police headquarters. At approximately 1:35 a.m. on April 4, 2005, Mr. Orser was found to be in medical distress. He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
As part of the investigation, SIU investigators will be attending the post mortem examination scheduled for today. The SIU has also designated one subject and nine witness officers from the OSPS.
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