News Release

News Release

Appeal for Witnesses in Toronto Arrest Incident

Case Number: 10-TCD-074   

Mississauga (6 May, 2010) --- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is appealing for witnesses to on an incident which took place in the early evening of May 5, 2010.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., police stopped a vehicle on Steeles Avenue at Founders Rd. One of the vehicle's occupants attempted to flee resulting in a short foot pursuit. Following an interaction with police the male was transported to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. As a result, the SIU has commenced an investigation into this matter.

The Lead Investigator is interested in speaking with any member of the public who may have witnessed this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the SIU at 1-800-787-8529 or the Lead Investigator at 416-622-1957.

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