Investigation finds Kap OPP officers innocent after man shoots himself

The SIU investigation found the following:

• Shortly before midnight on October 24, 2015, Ontario Provincial Police received reports about a 22-year-old man who was missing and in possession of a firearm.
• Just after 12:30 a.m., subject officer #1 located the man’s truck, on Ballentyne Road south of Highway 11.
• The officer approached the vehicle and attempted to open the rear driver’s side door.  The man in the vehicle pulled shut and locked the door.
• At the same time, the officer noticed the barrel of a firearm and quickly retreated to a safer distance.
• Two specialized response units were called for assistance.
• Around 8:30 a.m., the man was found deceased in his vehicle.  The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

SIU Acting Director Joseph Martino said, “I am satisfied that the officers involved in the search of the man and the subsequent standoff conducted themselves at all times within the confines of the law.  Subject officer #1 and others acted swiftly in locating the man when word was first received that he was missing.  He tried to check on the man, but was forced to make a hasty retreat noticing the firearm in his possession.

“It is clear from the evidence that the officers involved in this operation did what they could in the circumstances to prevent the man’s final fateful act while ensuring their own safety and the safety of the public around them. Accordingly, this file is closed with no charges laid.”