News Release
SIU Investigates Death of Man in Toronto
Case Number: 05-TCD-189
On December 16, 2005, at about 10:55 p.m., Toronto Police Service (TPS) officers were investigating a van which lead them to a home on Botany Hill Road. Shortly after their arrival, a man known to police exited the home. The man ran from the police and officers pursued him on foot. He was caught and arrested for breach of conditions in the ravine at the rear of the home.
Shortly after his arrest, the man had difficulty breathing and at about 11:30 p.m., he collapsed while still in the ravine. An officer administered CPR until paramedics arrived. He was transported to Scarborough Centenary Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
A post mortem examination is scheduled for December 19, 2005.
As part of the investigation, SIU investigators have designated four subject and two witness officers from the TPS. The investigation is continuing and the SIU is appealing for anyone who has any information in regards to this incident to contact the Unit at 416-622-1965 or 1-800-787-8529.
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