News Release

SIU Investigates Fatal Shooting in Sarnia

Case Number: 07-OFD-049   

TORONTO (7 March, 2007) --- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the circumstances of a fatal police shooting that occurred involving the Sarnia Police Service (SPS).

The SIU was notified that at approximately 4:20 a.m. this morning, a 35-year-old man left the Bluewater Health hospital in Sarnia. The man reportedly broke into a home on George Street and barricaded himself in the basement. Several SPS officers, including members of the Emergency Response Team, responded to the home.

At approximately 8:20 a.m., the man left the home and stole a vehicle. There was a confrontation between the man and the police at the corner of Russell and Bright Streets. One officer fired his gun and struck the man who was inside the car.

The man was transported to hospital where he died. His identity will not be released at this time.

The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the lead investigator at 416-622-1935 or 1-800-787-8529 1935.

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
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES