The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the shooting death of a 26-year-old man in Orillia. On November 7, 2024, the officer discharged his firearm after he was stabbed by the man while he attempted to arrest him for assault.
Director Joseph Martino was satisfied the officer fired his weapon to defend himself from a reasonably apprehended attack at the hands of the man. Faced with a life and death decision, and only split seconds in which to decide, the officer cannot be faulted for having chosen his firearm, he said.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): https://www.siu.on.ca/en/directors_reports.php.
