SIU investigates death in Nipissing

SIU Media Release

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Two investigators from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are in Nipissing today to probe the circumstances of a man's death in Garden Village.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) notified the SIU that on January 11, 2007, they responded to a call from the Anishinabek Police Service about a barricaded man, believed to be armed, inside a home in Garden Village. OPP officers, including those from the Tactical Response Unit, responded to the call and secured a perimeter around the home. At approximately 5:00 a.m. the following morning, officers entered the home and found the man suffering from what appeared to be a fatal gunshot wound.

A post mortem examination for the man is scheduled for tomorrow. His identity is not being released at this time.

SIU investigators are probing the nature and extent of the OPP officers' involvement in the circumstances surrounding the man's death. The investigation is ongoing.

The SIU is a civilian government agency that investigates circumstances involving police and civilians, which have resulted in serious injury or death. Under Section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU has the authority to decide whether or not charges are warranted based on the findings of an investigation. The Director's decision is reported to the Attorney General.

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