News Release

SIU Investigates Custody Injury in District of Temiskaming

Case Number: 05-PCI-086

Mississauga (6 June, 2005) --- Three investigators and three forensic identification technicians from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are investigating the nature and extent of police involvement in the injury of 46-year-old Michael Peplinski on June 5, 2005.

The SIU was notified that officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Temiskaming Detachment were searching for Mr. Peplinski because of concerns raised by family members. At approximately 4:20 p.m., officers in the OPP helicopter located Mr. Peplinski near his vehicle in Hilliard. He had suffered a gunshot wound.

Mr. Peplinksi was taken from Englehart and District Hospital to the Toronto General Hospital, where he is in critical condition.

The SIU has designated one subject and six witness officers from the OPP and the investigation is continuing.

No further information is available at this time.

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. 

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