Ontario’s police watchdog says a 19-year-old man has been killed, and one other 19-year-old is in hospital combating for his life following a police taking pictures in Innisfil north of Toronto.
Particular Investigations Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kristy Denette mentioned South Simcoe Police Service officers had been referred to as via 911 after 3 p.m. asking for assist with a household dispute at a residence on Shoreview Drive, near Lake Simcoe simply south of Shanty Bay and east of Barrie.
“Following that, there was an interaction when officers arrived, and four officers discharged their firearms at two 19-year-old men,” she instructed CityNews throughout an interview on the scene Thursday night time.
Denette mentioned each males had been taken to a hospital in Barrie, the place one was pronounced deceased Thursday night. She mentioned one other man, listed in important situation as of late Thursday, was transferred to a hospital in Toronto by air ambulance.
The circumstances relating to the dispute weren’t made clear, nor had been the speedy moments simply earlier than photographs had been fired.
Denette mentioned 4 investigators and two forensic investigators arrived in Innisfil Thursday night to research the incident. They’re anticipated to stay on the scene till Friday.
“They’re out front collecting cartridge cases. They want to look at the firearms that were discharged. They are looking at any vehicles or anything that [was] outside,” she mentioned.
“[The four investigators] are talking with members of the family (and) any civilian witnesses who had been within the space on the time.
“Obviously, they’d be looking at potentially any surveillance footage or doorbell camera(s). There’s body-worn camera(s) that will be reviewed in the course of this investigation.”
When requested concerning the footage, Denette mentioned she believed there have been body-worn cameras on the time of the incident, however that footage wasn’t reviewed as of Thursday night time.
“There’s a number of things that have to occur so we can paint a better picture of what happened here earlier this afternoon.”
In a press release launched by the South Simcoe Police Service Thursday night, it mentioned they had been referred to as to a “violent incident” at an Innisfil residence and that following an altercation with police, two topics suffered “serious and life-threatening” accidents. It didn’t elaborate additional on the incident, referring inquiries to the SIU.
The assertion mentioned officers requested the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to conduct a parallel investigation into the incident. It didn’t disclose why that request was explicitly made nor what components they had been requested to overview.
A “public advisory” posted on the service’s X account simply earlier than 4:20 p.m. mentioned there was an “increased police presence for an ongoing investigation” in Innisfil. It inspired the general public to “avoid the area,” including that “there is no threat to the public at this time.” On the time, it didn’t describe the character of the decision or the police response.
Joanne Murchison, a resident who moved to the realm from Toronto a few years in the past, mentioned she was “surprised” and “shocked.”
“This is a very quiet neighbourhood. It’s sweet, it’s small,” she mentioned.
Murchison mentioned she’s heard gossip amongst individuals who reside within the space, however didn’t need to make assumptions on what occurred.
Rob Stavroff, a 10-year space resident, mentioned he heard emergency crews responding to the house and didn’t see the scene for the reason that street was blocked off. He mentioned folks typically go for walks within the neighbourhood, however added he didn’t know who lived there.
“We call it millionaire’s row because it’s more exclusive. The neighbourhood is very upscale. Like it’s not a cookie-cutter neighbourhood,” Stavroff mentioned.
In the meantime, Denette mentioned any officers who fired weapons will doubtless be designated as “subject officers.” She mentioned the formal designations had been anticipated to occur someday on Friday. Beneath the legislation, these officers aren’t legally required to talk with SIU investigators or present notes. Nevertheless, officers designated as witnesses should cooperate by assembly with SIU investigators at their earliest comfort and offering their notes.
Ontario laws requires the SIU to complete its probe inside 120 days, however Denette mentioned circumstances comparable to ready on forensic proof submissions may imply an extended turnaround time. She mentioned it’s nonetheless early to supply a greater timeframe for a report, emphasizing that the evidence-gathering stage is underway.
“There’ll be a number of interviews that will occur over the coming weeks,” Denette mentioned.
The SIU is an impartial authorities company that investigates the conduct of officers which will have resulted in dying, critical damage, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at an individual.
The SIU is investigating a police-involved taking pictures involving @SouthSimcoePS in Innisfil
– At about 3:30 p.m., there was an interplay with two youths exterior a residence on Shoreview Drive
– Officers discharged their firearms on the youth
– One youth was taken to hospital in…
— Particular Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) August 16, 2024
One male, 19, has been pronounced deceased in hospital
Information Launch: https://t.co/f1Tco8WRoh
— Particular Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) August 16, 2024
Public Advisory
(Innisfil, ON) The South Simcoe Police Service needs to make the general public conscious of an elevated police presence for an ongoing investigation within the space of Shoreview Drive, Fairway Street and Visitor Street within the City of Innisfil.
Please keep away from the realm.
There isn’t any… pic.twitter.com/ZCQ9k0h7Nr
— South Simcoe Police (@SouthSimcoePS) August 15, 2024
