2020 Special Investigations Unit cases with no inquests

Overview

In accordance with section 18(2) of the Coroners Act, the Office of the Chief Coroner posts an explanation when a coroner decides not to hold an inquest into a death that was investigated by the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The requirements for these explanations are set out in Ontario Regulation 524/18: Publication of Chief Coroner’s Explanation of the Determination Not to Hold an Inquest.

Information about 2020 Special Investigations Unit cases where an inquest did not occur are posted below, including:

• case number
• synopsis of the case
• reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary
• additional details about the case

Cases between January – March

Case number: SIU #20OOD002 (Death: 01/03/2020)

Synopsis

On the night of January 3, 2020, an individual reported that her vehicle had been stolen in the area of Ottawa Street and Gladstone Avenue. At approximately 9 p.m., Windsor Police Service officers observed the stolen vehicle and began following it at a slow speed before the vehicle struck a parking sign. Both the driver and his passenger fled the vehicle. The driver was arrested, but the passenger managed to flee to a nearby apartment. As the passenger entered the doorway of a second-story apartment unit, he collapsed. The apartment’s residents called 911 and started CPR. Paramedics arrived and transported the man to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police had also responded to the apartment but did not physically engage with the man at any time. A post-mortem exam was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was methamphetamine and amphetamine toxicity in association of atherosclerotic heart disease and the manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20PCD055 (Death: 03/12/2020)

Synopsis

On March 12, 2020, a woman called 911 to report that her son had threatened to take his life as well as hers. As a result, Ontario Provincial Police officers were dispatched to a Shuniah Township address. A sergeant was able to make contact with the man by phone. About an hour-and-a-half after the conversation ended, the man exited the home holding a rifle and he began walking towards a forested area. Soon after, he suffered a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A post-morten examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was self-inflicted gunshot wound and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20TCD062 (Death: 03/17/2020)

Synopsis

At about 8:40 a.m. on March 17, 2020, a man attended the Esso gas station at the northeast corner of Dundas Street East and Church Street. While there, he livestreamed Facebook posts in which he spoke of his political grievances. He then took the gas pump from a customer and doused himself in gasoline before lighting himself on fire. The police were notified of what had occurred and officers were dispatched to the scene. The man fled east from the gas station and then north on Dalhousie Street with police in pursuit. He turned to travel east on Gould Street, then north on Mutual Street for a short distance before again heading east toward Jarvis Street. When the man entered the Rabba Fine Foods store at 256 Jarvis Street, he was no longer aflame. He went toward the delicatessen section of the store and repeatedly thrust a knife into his chest. There were no police officers present in the store at this time. After approximately 35 seconds, the man exited the store and continued to stab himself in the chest with the knife. He was confronted by several officers, including two who had their conducted energy weapons (CEWs) out and aimed at him. The CEWs were discharged at total of four times. The man staggered north along the west sidewalk of Jarvis Street for a period before collapsing to the ground. First aid was performed by police, and then by firefighters. The man was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  He was not in police custody at the time. A post-mortem exam was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the chest and the manner of death was suicide. There was no evidence that the CEW use played any role in the cause of death.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O.Reg 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD065 Death: 03/25/2020)

Synopsis

On March 25, 2020, two officers with the Barrie Police Service attended a 10^th floor unit in an apartment building to check on the well-being of a woman. The officers knocked on the door, announced who they were and indicated they were there to make sure she was fine. There was no response. When one of the officers went to the main floor to get a key to the unit, he was informed that the woman was lying on the ground at the rear of the building. First aid was rendered, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was multiple trauma consistent with a descent from height and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest.  The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police at their residence for a wellness check. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Cases between April – June

Case number: SIU #20TCD089 (Death: 04/17/2020)

Synopsis

In the evening of April 17, 2020, Toronto Police Service officers attended a 12^th floor apartment unit where they made attempts to speak with a man who had had barricaded himself inside and was in distress. After some time, smoke began to seep through the door of the unit and officers realized that a fire had been set. Efforts were made to rescue the man from the unit which had become engulfed in flames, but the rescue was unsuccessful. A post-mortem exam was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the man died as a result of smoke inhalation and the manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest.  The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD268 (Death: 04/18/2020)

Synopsis

On April 18, 2020, officers attended a residence in response to a 911 call about a woman expressing suicidal ideations. Paramedics and officers attended the residence, including one officer specifically trained in dealing with mental health-related calls. They spoke to the woman and her family. A mental health professional was also called to attend via video conference. Police and paramedics left the residence, and the woman was planning to stay there with family. However, the woman went for a walk, purchased a knife, and stabbed herself in a field beyond a parking lot. A post-mortem exam was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was a self-inflicted stab wound to the chest and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest.  The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report.  Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

Despite an appropriate response and efforts of the involved police service members (and paramedics), those efforts were not successful at preventing later suicidal ideation and following suicide. The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD103 (Death: 05/08/2020)

Synopsis

On May 5, 2020, London Police Service officers were dispatched to a high-rise apartment building in London following a call from a woman who expressed concern for her son’s well-being. When officers arrived at an apartment on the 15^th floor, they could not get into the unit, but briefly were able to talk to the man by phone. Evidence soon came to the officers that the man was sitting unsupported on the balcony railing. The man then scaled down to the balcony directly below, and then down to the next balcony. As the man endeavoured to maneuver to the next balcony below, he lost his grip and fell to the ground. The man was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on May 8, 2020. A post-mortem exam was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was multiple blunt trauma consistent with a descent from height and manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police at their residence for a wellness check. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD108 (Death: 05/10/2020)

Synopsis

On May 10, 2020, a man died in his North Bay home as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As North Bay Police Service officers had responded to the man’s residence to check on his welfare that morning — and were possibly present around the house at the time the man shot himself — the SIU conducted an investigation. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was intra-oral gunshot wound and manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police at their residence for a wellness check. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OVD142 (Death: 06/18/2020)

Synopsis

On June 18, 2020, a woman and her three young children tragically lost their lives in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Torbram Road and Countryside Drive in Brampton. The woman had been operating an SUV that was struck by an Infiniti. The Infiniti driver suffered serious injuries as well in the collision. As the Infiniti driver was fleeing from a police cruiser at the time, the matter was reported to the SIU and an investigation was commenced. The coroner concluded that the cause of the deaths was generalized blunt force trauma and manner of death was accident in all cases.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report.

Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

Additional details

Cases between July – September

Case number: SIU #20OVD181 (Death: 07/24/2020)

Synopsis

On July 24, 2020, while riding his bicycle in King City, a man was fatally injured when he was struck by a vehicle. As the vehicle had been briefly pursued by a York Regional Police officer just prior to the collision, the SIU was notified and commenced an investigation. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was blunt force injuries and manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD183 (Death: 07/25/2020)

Synopsis

On July 25, 2020, Brockville Police Service officers started looking for a man who was wanted in the United States in relation to a murder and was believed to be in the area at the time. Soon after, officers located him on the Highway 401 overpass at North Augusta Road, the man scaled the railing. Despite an officer yelling at him not to jump and attempting to grab hold of him, the man jumped onto the highway below. He was transported to hospital where he passed away. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma consistent with a descent from height and manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD190 (Death: 07/29/2020)

Synopsis

In the early afternoon of July 29, 2020, North Bay Police Service officers were called to assist with a suspected drug-overdose victim. An officer arrived at the scene and provided CPR for a short period prior to the paramedics assuming care of the man. The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was drug toxicity and manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20TCD207 (Death: 08/21/2020)

Synopsis

In the afternoon of August 21, 2020, a man fell to his death from his 9^th floor balcony in Toronto. Because Toronto Police Service officers were present on the balcony at the time of the incident, the SIU was notified and commenced an investigation. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was blunt force injuries of the head and torso consistent with a descent from height and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police at their residence for a wellness check. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20PCD208 (Death: 08/25/2020)

Synopsis

In the afternoon of August 25, 2020, a man’s body was recovered from the Ottawa River in the area of Moulin Park, Clarence-Rockland. The man had entered the water from a dock in the park on August 22, 2020 just after he noticed an approaching Ontario Provincial Police officer. The SIU was notified and commenced an investigation. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was drowning and manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OVD214 (Death: 08/29/2020)

Synopsis

On August 29, 2020, a man died in a car crash on Ava Road in Brantford. As his vehicle had been followed for a period prior to the crash by two police cruisers, the SIU was notified and commenced an investigation. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD216 (Death: 08/30/2020)

Synopsis

At 7:02 p.m., police received a 911 call regarding a man causing a disturbance at a store located on the southeast corner of Yonge Street and Davis Street in Newmarket. By the time of the officers’ arrival, the man had climbed onto the roof of the store and threatened to harm himself and harm the police officers. The perimeter was contained, and more police officers arrived. At 7:06 p.m., the man jumped from the roof by doing a “back flip” and fell to the ground. He was motionless and was subsequently taken to Southlake Regional Hospital Centre in Newmarket where he was pronounced dead. As he had been interacting with two York Regional Police officers at the time, the SIU was notified of the incident and commenced an investigation. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was blunt force traumatic injuries consistent with a descent from height and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20PCD217 (Death: 09/01/2020)

Synopsis

On September 1, 2020, a man was found hanging in the garage of his home in Elgin County. As Ontario Provincial Police officers had attended at his residence in the days prior to his death and were the ones to locate him in the garage, the SIU was notified of the matter and opened a file. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was hanging and manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20PVD229 (Death: 09/15/2020)

Synopsis

On September 16, 2020, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) contacted the SIU to report that a woman had been found deceased on Highway 26 outside of Midhurst at about 10:50 p.m. on September 15, 2020. It was their information at the time that an off-duty OPP officer who was traveling north on Highway 26 came across the body on the roadway and made contact with the body even as he swerved to avoid it. The SIU commenced an investigation but terminated the investigation as it became apparent that police officer involvement was unrelated to the death. The coroner directed a post-mortem exam be conducted and assisted by the information from that exam concluded that the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries and the manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been outlined in a news release from the SIU. The actions of the involved police service members did not contribute to the death. The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20PVD243 (Death: 09/29/2020)

Synopsis

Just after midnight on September 29, 2020, a man and a friend were on foot on Highway 12 near its intersection with Jones Road in Midland. At about the same time, an Ontario Provincial Police officer was operating a police SUV east on Highway 12 toward Jones Road. As the officer approached and entered the intersection, the officer struck the man. He had been walking diagonally toward the southeast corner of the intersection at the time. The officer had entered the intersection on a green light. Despite life-saving efforts by the officer, other police officers and paramedics, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A post-mortem examination was conducted to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was from the trauma of a motor vehicle collision and the manner of death was accident.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Cases between October – December

Case number: SIU #20OCD256 (Death: 10/07/2020)

Synopsis

In the morning of October 7, 2020, Ottawa Police Service officers went to the man’s apartment on Jasmine Crescent to execute a search for firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia. Seconds after the officers arrived, and before officers gained entry to the bedroom, the man exited his bedroom window in his 12^th floor apartment. The man fell to the ground below and was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was multiple injuries consistent with a descent from height and the manner of death was undetermined.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20PCD285 (Death: 11/01/2020)

Synopsis

On October 26, 2020, the Ontario Provincial Police received a 911 call about a man in distress armed with a firearm and threatening suicide. Officers attended the man’s property in Petrolia, and eventually located him inside a barn. He had suffered a penetrating gunshot wound of the head. No gunshot was heard while police were there. The man was transported to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on November 1, 2020. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was penetrating gunshot wound to head and brain and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20TCD293 (Death: 11/02/2020)

Synopsis

On November 2, 2020, a man died when he jumped from the Dundas Street bridge over the Don River and Don Valley Parkway. As Toronto Police Service officers were on the bridge and had engaged with the man in the hours prior to his death, the SIU was notified and opened a file. A post-mortem exam was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was multiple blunt impact trauma consistent with descent from a height and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD300 (Death: 11/05/2020)

Synopsis

On November 4, 2020, while in the care of the Thunder Bay Police Service, this man was in the back of a police vehicle being transported to a safe place. He was not under arrest. The man became acutely ill. He was transported to hospital by ambulance and passed away the following day. A post-mortem examination was performed to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was an acute subdural hemorrhage due to blunt impact head trauma, and the manner of death was accident. The trauma to the head occurred before police became involved and was not discovered until later video surveillance evidence was reviewed.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

The circumstances of the death do not give rise to significant systemic issues that would likely result in an inquest jury delivering preventative recommendations.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OCD320 (Death: 11/22/2020)

Synopsis

On November 22, 2020, police received 911 calls about a man hanging from a balcony. An officer arrived in the parking lot area of the building and shouted at the man to get back over the balcony; however, the man fell to the ground. A post-mortem examination was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was blunt force trauma consistent with descent from a height. As it was impossible to differentiate between an accidental fall and an act of suicide, the manner of death was concluded to be undetermined.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. The actions of the involved police service members did not materially contribute to the death. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

There are several discretionary inquests planned where individuals have committed suicide after arrival of police. It is expected that any potential preventative recommendations will be brought forward from those inquests.

Additional details

Case number: SIU #20OOD355 (Death: 12/04/2020)

Synopsis

December 4, 2020, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) received an assist ambulance call. The caller reported they thought they could see someone hanging from a tree. Police officers responded and located the male hanging from a cable attached to a tree on the south side of Gales Crescent near Frank Street. As the male had had several interactions with NRPS officers on the day of his death, the SIU was notified of the incident and commenced an investigation. A post-mortem report was undertaken to assist the coroner. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was due to hanging and the manner of death was suicide.

Read the SIU Director’s Report.

Reasons why the coroner determined that an inquest is unnecessary

The circumstances do not meet the criteria for a mandatory inquest. The matters described in sections 31(1)(a) to (e) of the Coroners Act are known. The circumstances surrounding the death have been investigated and disclosed to the public in the SIU Director’s report. Further, pursuant to section 32 of O. Reg. 268/10, under the Police Services Act, the police service that is the subject of the SIU investigation is required to review the policies of, or services provided by, the police service and the conduct of its officers.

Despite an appropriate response and efforts of the involved police service members, those efforts were not successful at preventing later suicidal ideation and following suicide.

The circumstances of this death are similar to other inquests planned — those of police interacting with individuals who later develop suicidal ideation and act on that. It is expected that these inquests will explore whether there are significant systemic issues, and jury recommendations addressing those issues may follow.

Additional details

Related

• Death investigations
• Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
• Coroner’s inquests
• Status of SIU cases

Contact

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