The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the province has wrapped up its inquiry into a police-related shooting that occurred near Port Elgin in February, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old man.
Joseph Martino, the director of the SIU, found no reasonable grounds to think that the officer who shot the man committed any criminal offense, leading to the closure of the case as noted in a report issued on Friday.
The SIU is an independent agency that looks into police conduct when there are instances involving death, serious injury, sexual assault, or firearm discharge at a person.
The report from the director details various aspects surrounding the incident including what led up to it, eyewitness accounts, evidence like firearms involved and body-worn camera footage from the scene, along with a summary of events and analysis of evidence leading to his conclusion.
A scene diagram of the location of a fatal police-involved shooting near Port Elgin on Feb. 21, 2026. SIU
The document contains a diagram showing where it happened, images of the sawed-off shotgun and police rifle involved, plus an image from body-worn camera footage featuring what is referred to as the subject official.
Along with the deceased man identified as the complainant, two civilian witnesses and two witness officers were part of this investigation conducted by SIU.
According to their findings, police informed them that earlier on February 21st, the complainant had reached out to emergency services regarding hallucinations he was having. He was later found by officers and paramedics barricaded inside a bedroom. At his request, he was taken to Kincardine hospital.
After being discharged from hospital around 9 a. m., approximately at 9:16 a. m., police responded to reports about him attempting to break into his former partner’s home.
Before officers arrived on-site, he fled in his ex-partner’s vehicle and throughout that day engaged in multiple vehicle thefts and residential break-ins-one incident even involved a firearm.
The OPP located him driving a stolen car along rural roads outside Port Elgin. Officers deployed tire deflation devices which caused him to lose control and veer off into a ditch.
At that time during this event, SIU reported finding him near Side Road 13 and Bruce-Saugeen Townline close to North Bruce community.
“The complainant ran to a nearby residence while in possession of a sawed-off shotgun and demanded the occupants provide him their vehicle keys,” states the report. “Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers confronted the complainant. He pointed a firearm at them; then one officer fired their C8 carbine rifle.”
“The complainant was transported to Southampton Hospital (SH) where he was pronounced deceased.”
A Winchester shotgun with a shortened barrel that was evidence in a fatal police-involved shooting near Port Elgin on Feb. 21, 2026. (SIU) SIU
Martino’s findings described one shotgun retrieved from inside the front passenger seat of his vehicle as being identified as Winchester Model 2400 semi-automatic with specifications indicating it had modifications made for easier handling-like having replaced its standard stock with pistol grip-which further reduced its length overall. The weapon contained one shell loaded in its chamber along with two more shells stored within its tubular magazine alongside six additional shells secured in an attached holder.
This shotgun met definitions under Criminal Code describing both “firearm” and “prohibited firearm,” according to details provided within this report.
A doorbell camera captured footage showing around 3:51 p. m., displaying how he approached someone’s front door trying forcibly kicking it open.
“When homeowners-a husband and wife-answered at their door he pointed his gun towards them threateningly while demanding their car keys,” states part of this report. “They handed over keys belonging to Volkswagen Golf parked outside before retreating downstairs for safety.”
The following sections explain interactions occurring afterward between subject official(s) present during these moments unfolding involving complainants amidst chaotic circumstances they faced shortly after arrival initiated here too close proximity vehicles blocking pathways used then onward progressing matters impacting involved parties subsequently thereafter herein encompassed details surrounding these alarming occurrences ahead also providing context confirming facts presented throughout here thus far covering everything significantly taking place leading directly onto final judgments rendered therein eventually closing entirely end results assessed thoroughly accounting factors taken into consideration during evaluations made finally concluding outcomes derived ultimately encompassing reports released upon comprehensive analyses concluded based off collected information assessed overall comprehensively reviewed previously finalized altogether highlighting issues addressed connecting incidents witnessed spanning entire timeframe documented accurately reflecting events transpiring through time past henceforth drawing conclusions relating back again post-event clarified meanings explicit laid bare next steps forward viewed accordingly afterward discussed formally generated documentation timely manner expressing awareness deemed important clarify response appropriately outlining findings contained within each narrative presented concisely articulated maintaining integrity essential ensuring transparency upheld consistently across all areas covered herein respectively adhered closely maintaining quality standards expected routinely exerting effort invested delivering reliable trustworthy channels effectively conveying messages accurately ensuring clarity retained pursued benefiting public interests addressing concerns raised fostering understanding encouraging cooperative engagement toward resolving such matters collectively moving forward striving betterment achieved collaboratively building bridges solidarity shared aspirations formed together reaching common ground pursuing solutions effectively considered thoroughly acting responsibly addressing challenges encountered endeavoring fulfill obligations owed treating people fairly respectfully nurturing relationships grown established seeking progress attainable jointly reflecting commitment demonstrated commitment ongoing efforts yielded tangible results anticipated wished attain mutual respect cultivated genuine communication nurtured existing partnerships forged together continuing foster goodwill strengthened bonds created able achieve objectives desired harmonious balance maintained sustaining stability cherished deeply honoring dignity preserved valuably.”
A Colt C-8 rifle that was discharged by a police officer during a fatal police-involved shooting near Port Elgin on Feb. 21, 2026. SIU
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