News Release
SIU Updates Investigation into Police-Involved Death of Man in Deer Lake First Nation
Case Number: 25-IFD-288
Other News Releases Related to Case 25-IFD-288
SIU Investigating Police-Involved Death of Man in Deer Lake First Nation
Witness Assistance
- At approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 22, 2025, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) officers went to a residence in the community, located 580 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, as they had a warrant to arrest the man.
- In the initial news release, the SIU incorrectly stated the man fled from the house. To clarify, based on information gathered in the course of the investigation, the man exited the home and approached the officers.
- One NAPS officer discharged his firearm at the man.
- Officers provided first aid and the man was taken to a nursing station where he was pronounced deceased.
- The post-mortem examination is being conducted today (July 25, 2025) in Toronto.
- Two investigators, and two forensic investigators, as well as an affected person coordinator, travelled to Deer Lake First Nation to investigate this incident and meet with community leaders.
- Additionally, the SIU would like to clarify the age of the man; he has been identified as a 40-year-old male.
If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php
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.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES