Two Windsor police officers fired weapons in fatal encounter – SIU

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Ontario's Special Investigations Unit said Monday that two Windsor police officers fired weapons during a confrontation with a person downtown last Friday, resulting in the death of the 57-year-old man.

According to the SIU, two knives were also involved in the incident, which occurred in front of a business premises.

At around 10:30 a.m., police were called to the 700 block of Goyeau Street after a disturbance was reported at the nearby Food Basics.

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“I think the first call went to a grocery store across the street,” said Kristy Denette, a spokeswoman for the SIU. “It was described as a disturbance.”

According to the SIU, an independent agency that investigates reports of police-related sexual assault, death or serious injury, there was an interaction between police and a 57-year-old man before he was shot.

One of the officers who fired the shots suffered a minor cut during the altercation, police said.

Speaking to the Windsor Star on Monday, Denette could not say whether both officers shot the man or what type of knives were involved and how. Windsor police had originally stated publicly on Friday that an officer shot an armed suspect.

Five SIU investigators and two forensic scientists were assigned to the case. The crime scene around Elliot and Goyeau streets was cleared on Saturday, but on Sunday afternoon, patrol cars still had part of Elliot Street cordoned off and the Beer Store remained closed.

“No police officer comes to work with the desire to shoot, injure or, in this case, take the life of another human being,” said Kent Rice, president of the Windsor Police Association.

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“Having to come to terms with and grapple with the fact that you have taken someone's life is very damaging and very difficult to come to terms with.”

Rice, who declined to comment specifically on the police-involved shooting last week, told the Star on Monday that he has been in contact with the officers involved. So far, he said, it appears “they are doing OK.”

“I remind people that while they see the consequences of the decision an officer had to make, they don't see the choices he was facing at the time,” Rice said.

“Serious and traumatic incidents do occur. Unfortunately, due to the violent nature of police work, such incidents sometimes occur.

“I would like to express my condolences to the family of the deceased person. I am sure they have many questions that remain unanswered as the SIU continues its investigation. No one wants these incidents to take place and I am sorry for what the family is going through.”

The SIU said a post-mortem examination of the man was carried out on Sunday but no further information has been released. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to come forward.

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“Preparations for the interview are still underway,” Denette said. “I know there were no body-worn cameras in this case, but there is the surveillance camera footage.”

“It happened in broad daylight in a busy area, so if anyone else is out there, please come forward and contact us.”

To contact SIU, call 1-800-787-8529 or go online to siu.on.ca and click on “Contact.”

[email protected]

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