News Release

SIU Investigating Police-involved Shooting in Ottawa

Case Number: 24-OFI-129   

Mississauga, ON (22 March, 2024) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding a police-involved shooting this afternoon in Ottawa.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • At approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 22, 2024, an Ottawa Police Service officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of  Churchill Avenue and Avondale Avenue.
  • When a 25-year-old female occupant of the vehicle exited the vehicle and fled on foot, the officer followed on foot.
  • At some point, the officer discharged his firearm and the woman was struck.
  • She was transported to hospital for treatment. The woman is in critical condition.

Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case. 

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php

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.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES