News Release
OPP Officer Faces Charges in Relation to Orillia Shooting
Case Number: 22-PFI-213
Other News Releases Related to Case 22-PFI-213
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed criminal offences in relation to a shooting that occurred in August of 2022 in Orillia.
The SIU investigation found that on August 20, 2022, OPP officers became involved in a pursuit with a pickup truck. In the area of Highway 11 and Sundial Drive, the pickup truck became involved in a collision. Both occupants from the pickup truck exited the vehicle. Shortly after, one officer discharged his firearm and an 18-year-old man – one of the occupants – was struck. He was transported to hospital for treatment of a serious injury.
As a result of the SIU investigation, OPP Constable Michael Walli is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
- One count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 221;
- One count of careless use of firearm, contrary to s 86(1);
- One count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s 267(b); and
- One count of assault using a weapon, contrary to s. 267(a).
Cst Walli is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 700 Memorial Avenue in Orillia on March 28, 2023.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
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
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES