News Release

News Release

SIU Investigating Discharge of Firearm at Man in Ottawa

Case Number: 23-OFP-075   

Other News Releases Related to Case 23-OFP-075

SIU Completes Investigation into Ottawa Police Officer Who Shot at Sword-Wielding Man

Mississauga, ON (8 March, 2023) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discharge of a firearm by a police officer at a man today in Ottawa. 

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • In the afternoon of March 8, 2023, an individual reported to 911 that she heard a disturbance coming from an address in the 1800 block of Walkley Road.
  • Officers were dispatched to the scene. Outside of the residence, the officers encountered a 44-year-old man who was in possession of a sword.
  • An interaction ensued, and two officers discharged their conducted energy weapons at the man, and another officer discharged his firearm at the man. The man was not struck as a result of the firearm discharge.
  • The man was transported to hospital.

Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case. 

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

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.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES