SIU clears officer in fatal shooting of 49-year-old man under Rainbow Bridge this winter
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has concluded there are no grounds to charge an officer after a 49-year-old man was fatally shot by Niagara Parks police in February.
The SIU Director’s Report says Niagara Parks Police Service officers were called to 5920 River Road, an area under the Rainbow Bridge, twice on Feb. 28 for reports that a man was harassing pedestrians.
During the first interaction, the report says, officers attended the scene in the early afternoon along with an employee from the Canadian Mental Health Association – Niagara, assigned as a crisis worker to the NRPS Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team.
At that time, the report says, officers agreed “the best course was to de-escalate the situation by removing themselves.”
Just after 2 p.m., two officers responded again to the area for reports of the man harassing passersby. They said they were asked by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission to remove the man from the property.
SIU investigators say a “confrontation ensued” between the officers and the man, in which the man allegedly discharged pepper spray at the officers while armed with a knife. It was at this time, they say, that an officer discharged their weapon at the man.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2:31 p.m. Following the incident, two officers attended a local hospital for minor injuries.
At 2:56 p.m., the SIU says, they were notified of the firearm-related death.
The SIU Director’s Report into the case says the officer who shot the man declined to be interviewed, “as is their legal right,” but provided notes to investigators.
Seven civilians and five officials who witnessed the incident were interviewed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.