Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigators were at the scene today of a shooting in Victoria Harbour that left a 77-year-old man dead.
“The SIU’s mandate is invoked anytime there is an interaction involving police and someone is seriously injured, dies or alleges sexual assault,” said SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon.
“In this particular case, police were present at the home when the man sustained his fatal gunshot wound. The preliminary information indicates the man discharged the firearm.”
The man's name has not been released.
Initial reports indicate Southern Georgian Bay OPP officers arrived at the man’s home at around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a call from the man seeking assistance. Upon arrival, responding officers knocked on the home’s front door and after getting no response made their way to the back of the house where they located the man seated in a chair in the driveway.
"As for whether police had been to that home before, that would be a question for police,” Hudon said.
But when asked the same question, Southern Georgian Bay OPP Const. David Hobson noted, “sorry you will have to speak with SIU directly as we cannot speak to it.”
Hudon said with respect to what exactly transpired – including how many officers were on scene – will be part of the SIU’s investigation.
“At this time, we have designated two subject officers and three witness officers,” she said.
The SIU has assigned two investigators and two forensic investigators to the case with a post-mortem slated for Friday in Toronto.
Hudon said it’s difficult to say how long any investigation will take as each case has its own requirements and procedures.
“In general, the length of an investigation will depend on a number of factors, including how long it takes to locate and interview witnesses, and how long it takes to analyze evidence,” she said, adding that in many instances, the SIU must await receipt of reports from external experts and agencies such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences or the coroner’s office.
“While the SIU recognizes it is important to resolve cases in a timely manner, the thoroughness of the investigation must take precedence over the length of time it takes to finish an investigation.”
Under the Police Services Act, the SIU director must consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid.
