News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation of Death in Elliot Lake
Case Number: 09-PCD-081
The SIU assigned two investigators and one forensic investigator to probe the circumstances of this matter.
The SIU investigation determined that on April 8, 2009, at 6:15 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police officers executed a warrant at a residence in Elliot Lake. The officers arrested 41-year-old Travis Taylor. Mr. Taylor was taken to the OPP station in Elliot Lake, where he went into medical distress. Mr. Taylor was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Director Scott stated, "In my view, there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the named subject officer committed any criminal offence in relation to the death of Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was lawfully arrested at his home. Mr. Taylor was handcuffed and transferred to the OPP Elliott Lake Detachment. In the station, he collapsed and attempts were made to resuscitate him at the station. He was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1900 hrs. On April 9th a pathologist conducted a post mortem examination on Mr. Taylor. The pathologist opined that Mr. Taylor died of natural causes due to a cardiac arrest. There was no suggestion of other trauma to the body."
Director Scott said, "In view of the conclusion of the pathologist with respect to the cause of death, there is no relationship between the actions of the subject officer and the death of Mr. Taylor. Accordingly, no criminal liability may attach to the subject officer’s actions."
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