SIU Confirms 48-Year-Old Man Died in Police Shooting Near Paisley
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a 48-year-old man died in a police shooting near Paisley. He is alleged to have stolen vehicles and a firearm earlier in the day.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit says it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 48-year-old man near Paisley on February 21.
In a media release issued Sunday, the SIU said preliminary information suggests the man is alleged to have committed multiple motor vehicle thefts and residential break-and-enters across several jurisdictions throughout the day, including the theft of a firearm.
The SIU declined to confirm the man’s identity and would not comment on a name circulating online. The agency also did not release his place of residence.
However, the report did state that police made several attempts to locate the man as the day unfolded. Officers located him in the afternoon driving a stolen vehicle.
Police deployed a tire deflation device, forcing the vehicle off the road. The man then fled on foot, and police say he was later located in the area of Sideroad 13 and Bruce-Saugeen Townline.
Outside the residence, the man confronted police officers. During the encounter, one officer fired his weapon and struck him.
Life-saving measures were initiated at the scene. The man was transported to hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The SIU release does not specify whether the man was armed at the time of the shooting or whether the allegedly stolen firearm had been recovered.
The agency has also not provided details about how many shots were fired or the number of officers present during the interaction.
Four investigators and three forensic investigators have been assigned to the case. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for February 23.
The SIU is urging anyone with information, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or through the agency’s website.
When the SIU invokes its mandate, it assumes responsibility for investigating incidents involving police where there has been death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault. The involved police service does not provide further details while the investigation is ongoing.
Owen Sound Current will update this story as more information becomes available.
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