Family Sues Police for $17.5 Million After Tragedy

A family from Innisfil, Ont. has filed a lawsuit against six officers from the South Simcoe Police Service seeking $17.5 million following an incident in 2024 that resulted in the death of one son and injuries to another.

The claim, submitted on July 14, also names additional defendants, including the chief of police for South Simcoe and members of the Ontario Provincial Police, alleging negligence and wrongful actions.

<p. On August 15, 2024, police responded to a family dispute at their home in Innisfil, located about 75 kilometers north of Toronto, according to a report by the Special Investigations Unit.

An encounter with law enforcement led to Liam Hatton’s shooting death and “lifelong injuries” sustained by Dylan Hatton; both were 19 years old at that time, as stated in the legal filing.

Their parents, Bill Hatton and Robin Jackson, expressed in a statement on Wednesday that their family has been “forever shattered” and they have lost faith in law enforcement.

Asha James, representing the family as their lawyer, mentioned that they had called for help “during a mental health crisis.”

The family asserts they provided details on how best to assist the boys but claim police treated it like “a tactical operation,” rather than responding to “a call for assistance.”

“This should never have been the result of a call for help. Liam is dead and Dylan has to live the rest of his life without his twin and best friend by his side,” said the parents.

<p. James added they seek accountability regarding Liam's death along with concerns about OPP’s decision to press charges against Dylan.

“The civil process presents an opportunity for the family to ensure that police conduct will be put under closer scrutiny,” she explained.

Police Response Leads to Shooting Incident

As reported by SIU, officers found Liam and Dylan inside a vehicle at their home shortly after arriving there and spoke with other family members present.

<p. The report indicates an officer asked them to "shut the car off" so they could talk; however, instead of complying, they drove toward him which led him to fire "multiple rounds."

One brother identified as Liam was reportedly “slumped forward” in the driver’s seat while police instructed them to raise their hands. Subsequently, Dylan moved into the driver’s seat and began reversing toward another officer standing nearby as noted by SIU.</P.

The SIU reported that officers fired again at their vehicle before extracting both men from it once it stopped and administered first aid. They were later transported to Royal Victoria Hospital due to gunshot wounds.</P.

Liam died from a “gunshot wound of head” while Dylan survived following “multiple surgeries,” according to claims made in court documents.</P.

The SIU’s report released on December 12, 2024 concluded that police acted with “reasonable force” for self-defense purposes and found no grounds for criminal charges against those officers involved.</P.

Additionally, the family is suing OPP after seven charges were laid against Dylan including assaulting an officer with a weapon and dangerous driving; these charges were dropped by Crown prosecutors in October 2025.</P.<P. In their lawsuit filings, they accuse OPP officers of causing harm through what they describe as “negligent investigation” which inflicted “emotional suffering [and] nervous shock” on Dylan.</P.

A spokesperson named Samah Othman confirmed Thursday that South Simcoe Police Service acknowledges receipt of a civil claim but cannot comment further at this moment. She mentioned those named are still serving within their department.</P.

In response via email regarding OPP’s involvement spokesperson Gosia Puzio stated provincial authorities are aware of this civil action but will not provide any commentary at this time.

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