News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Seriously Injured by Police Gunfire in Ottawa Hostage-Taking

Case Number: 26-OFI-305   

Other News Releases Related to Case 26-OFI-305

SIU Investigating After Man Shot and Wounded by Officer in Ottawa During Hostage-Taking

Mississauga, ON (30 October, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe an Ottawa Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the shooting of a 42-year-old man involved in a hostage-taking. On July 2, 2026, police were called about a woman being held hostage in the area of Old Second Line Road and Old Carp Road.

Following hours of negotiations, tactical officers deployed distraction devices and stormed the upstairs bedroom where the woman was being held at knifepoint. The man grabbed an officer in a bear hug around the upper legs and the officer aimed his C8 rifle downward and fired twice, striking him once in the lower right leg. There was a struggle, where the man was struck several times by multiple officers and handcuffed. The man was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a comminuted fracture of the right distal tibia caused by a bullet.

Director Martino was satisfied the officer fired his weapon to protect himself from attack. Not knowing whether the man was still in possession of the knife or the firearm he claimed to have, any reasonable person in the circumstances would have feared for their life and taken steps to defend themselves.

Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): 

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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