News Release

News Release

SIU Investigates Firearm Injury in Toronto

Case Number: 11-TFI-190   

Mississauga (23 September, 2011) --- Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) continues to probe the circumstances surrounding the gunshot injuries sustained by 24-year-old Ankur Patel of Toronto on September 19, 2011.

At approximately 2:00pm on that day, the SIU was in contact with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) regarding the incident and has the following information:

• A TPS officer was on paid duty at a construction site on Shuter Street in Toronto;

• The officer was approached by Mr. Patel;

• During the ensuing interaction Mr. Patel was shot at least once by the officer;

• Mr. Patel was transported to St. Michael’s Hospital and remains in serious condition.

The SIU has designated one subject officer and five witness officers. Eight investigators and three forensic investigators continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to contact the Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529.

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