The province’s Particular Investigations Unit (SIU) was known as in after London cops shot and killed an 18-year-old man late Tuesday night.
One neighbour who lives only a few doorways down from 86 Wellesley Cres., the place the incident befell stated, “Around 11, there were probably about 20 police vehicles that came down our street.”
The SIU said police were called to the semi-detached home for a report of domestic violence.
Another neighbour, who didn’t want to be identified, described to how events unfolded. He said two police cars arrived at scene just after 11 p.m., and the officers rushed to the door, banging on it loudly. When the door started to open, they pushed their way in, yelling ‘down on the ground, down on the ground.’ Then, shortly after, shots were fired.
The SIU said police were confronted by an 18-year-old man with a knife in his hand. The interaction led to two officers discharging their firearms at the man. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency, independent of the police, that conducts criminal investigations into circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.
According to the SIU, a 17-year-old girl who was stabbed by the man, was also taken to hospital where she was listed in critical condition.London Police detectives and Forensic Unit members enter home on Wellesley Crescent, July 17, 2024 (Gerry Dewan/ London)
There were two other men in the home at the time. One, a 22 year old, was taken to hospital with stab wounds, treated and released. The other male was unharmed.
“I saw a lot of police running towards the house,” the primary neighbour recounted. “Then they were pulling people out of the house that seemed injured and putting them into the ambulance.”
Neighbours say the street has always been very quiet and safe. One neighbour who only wanted to be identified as Emma, said there haven’t been any issues with the occupants of the home where the stabbing and shooting took place, “I have a friend who lives right next door, and she says she never really heard anything.”
The SIU and the Regional Coroner both attended the scene early Wednesday morning. London police detectives and members of the London Police Forensics Unit arrived shortly after the noon hour.
A statement released by London Police Chief Thai Truong emphasized that intimate partner violence remains a significant concern, “Ninety-five municipalities across Ontario, including the City of London, have recognized intimate partner violence as an epidemic.”
London police are on scene at a home on Wellesley Crescent where the SIU said a man was fatally shot. (Matt Thompson/ London)
He continued, “Among the cases reported to police, women and girls constitute a substantial majority – over 80 per cent – of intimate partner violence victims. Additionally, we acknowledge that intimate partner violence is significantly underreported. Our commitment to working with community partners and our members remains firm as we strive to enhance training, education, intervention, data collection, and reporting in response to recommendations concerning femicide and intimate partner violence.”
“Last night’s events highlight the dedication and bravery shown daily by our members at the London Police Service (LPS) in safeguarding our citizens and our city. Our frontline officers, supported by our trained Communications Operators, once again demonstrated their commitment to community safety and violence prevention. Each day, LPS members dedicate themselves to serving and protecting, and we remain incredibly proud of our frontline officers, who risk their lives to ensure our safety,” the assertion concluded.
— With information from London’s Kristylee Varley
