News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Shooting in Toronto
Case Number: 09-TFI-074
Other News Releases Related to Case 09-TFI-074
The SIU assigned eight investigators and three forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of the shooting. SIU investigators designated two subject and 16 witness officers from the TPS.
The SIU investigation determined that on the morning of April 2, 2009, the two subject officers were dispatched to an apartment at 30 Eppleworth Rd. in response to a call from an occupant of the apartment. They had been informed that there was a man in the apartment with a knife who was attempting to kill a woman. The subject officers entered the apartment and saw the man with a knife in his hand. The man raised his hand above his head, moved toward the two officers and brought it down toward one of them, resulting in the officer's left forearm and forehead being slashed. Both officers discharged their service pistols at the man. The man received two gunshot wounds which caused extensive injuries. He has since recovered from those injuries.
Director Scott said, "Pursuant to s. 25(3) of the Criminal Code, anyone is justified in using lethal force when they believe on reasonable grounds that it is necessary for the self-preservation of themselves or anyone under their protection. Here, the first subject officer was clearly justified in using lethal force in circumstances where he was attacked at close quarters by a knife-wielding assailant. The second subject officer was also justified in using lethal force pursuant to s. 27 of the Code to prevent the attack on his partner because he could reasonably conclude that the attack was likely to cause immediate and serious injury to him."
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