News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Youth’s Self-Inflicted Death in Cambridge

Case Number: 24-OCD-282   

Other News Releases Related to Case 24-OCD-282

SIU Investigating Teenager’s Fall from Bridge in Cambridge
Update: Teenager Who Fell from Bridge in Cambridge Passes Away

Mississauga, ON (30 October, 2024) ---
The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Waterloo Regional Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the death of a 17-year-old male. The youth passed away on July 2, 2024, after he jumped into the Grand River from the Concession Street Bridge. As officers were on and around the bridge attempting to prevent him from jumping, the SIU was notified of the incident and investigated.  

Director Joseph Martino concluded the police officers involved were lawfully placed and engaged in the execution of their foremost duty – the protection and preservation of life – through the series of events culminating in the male’s jump. While it was highly regrettable that the teen could not be saved, his death was not from any want of trying on the part of the involved officers and firefighters.
 
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): 

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