News Release

SIU Terminates Investigation of Circumstances Surrounding Death of Ottawa Man

Case Number: 17-OOD-172   

Mississauga, ON (13 February, 2018) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Tony Loparco, has terminated an investigation into the conduct of Ottawa police Service (OPS) officers in relation to the death of a 21-year-old man in March of 2017. The SIU was made aware of this occurrence in July of 2017 by a medical professional.

On the morning of March 5, 2017, a family member of the man contacted the OPS to report that the man had sent her a message hours earlier indicating he intended to take his life. Police officers were dispatched to check on the man’s well-being. The family member then also contacted 911, prompting the emergency dispatch of paramedics and firefighters. The Ottawa Fire Service was the first to arrive at the man’s address. They forced their way into the residence as the man appeared to be without vital signs. Paramedics and police arrived shortly after. CPR was performed and the man began breathing again. He was transported to hospital. The man’s condition did not improve and he died two days later.

The pathologist determined the cause of death to be “Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy” due to acute fentanyl, ethanol and lorazepam toxicity.

Director Loparco said, “The man’s death was the result of a drug overdose. The police officers arrived shortly after other first responders, and there was nothing they did or omitted to do that contributed to the man’s death. Accordingly, I have terminated the investigation into this incident.”

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

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