News Release
SIU Investigates Incident in Oshawa
Case Number: 06-OFI-186
On October 29, 2006, at approximately 9:30 p.m., DRPS officers were conducting a drug investigation and tried to stop a Cadillac Escalade at the intersection of Simcoe and Gibb Streets in Oshawa. Four DRPS cars were used to box in the Escalade to arrest the driver. The officers exited their cars and became involved in a confrontation with the male driver, resulting in one officer discharging his firearm. The driver of the Escalade, believed to be Isan Jupiter, fled from the scene.
On October 31, 2006, the DPRS notified the SIU that Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers had found the Escalade, abandoned, on Highway 28 in Peterborough. The car had traces of blood inside and appeared to have been struck by bullets. Based on the fact that a DPRS officer had discharged his firearm during the confrontation and that Mr. Jupiter may be seriously injured, the SIU is investigating the incident. Mr. Jupiter has not been located and the DRPS has issued a warrant for his arrest.
The Escalade has been secured and SIU investigators will be examining the car as part of its investigation. Investigators are also appealing for anyone who witnessed the confrontation at Simcoe and Gibb Streets to contact the Unit at 416-622-1886 or 1-800-787-8529 ext 1886. Witnesses may also log on to the SIU's website and submit information at http://www.siu.on.ca/appealwitness.html
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