News Release
SIU Investigating After Man Sustains Fatal Gunshot Wound in the Municipality of Machin
Case Number: 20-PCD-230
Witness Assistance
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating an incident that occurred yesterday in the Municipality of Machin.
Preliminary information suggests the following:
- On September 12, 2020, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were made aware of an unoccupied vehicle parked next to train tracks. Officers were able to ascertain who the owner of the vehicle was – a 24-year-old resident of British Columbia – and began a search of the area.
- At approximately 3 p.m. on September 19, 2020, OPP officers located the man in a wooded area in Machin. He was in possession of a firearm.
- While the man was contained in bushes by members of the Emergency Response Team, he sustained a gunshot wound.
- The man was taken by OPP helicopter to a hospital in Dryden, and then transferred to a hospital in Thunder Bay. He was pronounced deceased today at 1:13 p.m.
At this time, investigators do not believe any officer discharged a firearm during the interaction.
Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information regarding this investigation to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529. The Unit is also urging anyone who may have any video evidence related to this incident to upload that video through the SIU website.
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, monica.hudon@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342