News Release

SIU Investigates Firearm Death

Case Number: 09-PFD-152   

Other News Releases Related to Case 09-PFD-152

SIU Concludes Investigation into Osnaburgh Lake area Firearm Death

Mississauga (2 July, 2009) --- Three investigators and two forensic investigators from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are probing the circumstances surrounding a police shooting involving the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) - Pickle Lake Detachment.

The SIU was notified that on Wednesday June 24, 2009 at approximately 12:00 PM two OPP officers were conducting an investigation in the Osnaburgh Lake area. During this investigation a police firearm was discharged and a man was struck at least once. The man was pronounced dead a short time later.

The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Unit at 416-622-1806 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