SIU Investigating After Man Shot by Ottawa Police
Incident occurred in city's south end
Ottawa, ON - August 15, 2023 - The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating after a man was shot by Ottawa Police.
The incident occurred in the city's south end on August 14th. Police were called to a residence on River Road at approximately 10:30 pm after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance.
When officers arrived on scene, they encountered a man who was armed with a knife. Police say the man refused to drop the weapon and advanced towards officers.
One of the officers fired their gun, striking the man. The man was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
The SIU has invoked its mandate to investigate the incident. The SIU is an independent civilian agency that investigates incidents involving police officers where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
The SIU says it is too early to determine what charges, if any, will be laid in this case.
What is the SIU?
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is an independent civilian agency that investigates incidents involving police officers where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
The SIU was created in 1990 in response to public concern over the lack of independent oversight of police investigations.
The SIU has the authority to investigate any incident involving police officers where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
How does the SIU investigate?
When the SIU investigates an incident, it does so independently of the police. The SIU has its own investigators, forensic experts and lawyers.
The SIU's investigation typically involves interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence and reviewing police reports.
The SIU may also conduct its own forensic examination of the scene of the incident.
What happens after the SIU investigation?
Once the SIU has completed its investigation, it will submit a report to the Director of Special Prosecutions.
The Director of Special Prosecutions will then decide whether or not to lay charges against the police officer(s) involved in the incident.
If the Director of Special Prosecutions decides to lay charges, the case will proceed through the courts.
