Cruiser accidentRunnersCruiser and motorbike
thick blue gradient line

News Release

SIU Concludes Whitby Firearm Death Investigation

Case Number: 11-OCD-124

Witness Assistance
Fill Out a Witness Form
Upload a Video
Mississauga (18 July, 2011) --- The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott, has concluded that there are no reasonable grounds to charge any officers of the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) with a criminal offence in regards to the firearm death of a 22-year-old Whitby man a couple of weeks ago.

The SIU assigned five investigators and three forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of this incident. The SIU photographed and made a digital video recording of the scene. Evidence was also collected from the scene. One officer was designated as a witness officer and interviewed by the SIU. Two civilian witnesses were interviewed.

The SIU investigation determined that on July 4, 2011 two DRPS officers were dispatched to Clune Place, Whitby to investigate Mr. Andre Hogg for a criminal matter. When the officers arrived they spoke with a woman at the home and learned that Mr. Hogg was in the basement. The officers began to descend the stairs to the basement. The baby’s grandmother was in the basement speaking to Mr. Hogg. Mr Hogg had his thirteen month old baby in his arms. The officers heard gunshots and they, along with the grandmother retreated outside. After a few minutes, the baby’s mother went into the home and emerged with her baby who had sustained a bullet wound. When the officers re-entered the basement, they discovered Mr. Hogg’s lifeless body. A 40 calibre handgun was found close to the body and two shell casings along with one live round was found near his feet. The officers’ guns had not been discharged.

Director Scott said, "The only reasonable conclusion from the investigation is that Mr. Hogg took his own life by means of a self-inflicted gunshot. Accordingly, there was no police involvement in Mr. Hogg’s death."

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence  in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
  • report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General. 

,
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342