THUNDER BAY – The province’s Special Investigations Unit has concluded charges aren’t warranted in a police-involved shooting in Kakbeka Falls.
The incident occurred on Dec. 26, 2024, when police responded to reports of a 58-year-old man walking along Highway 11/17 with a firearm.
Upon arrival at the scene, the man allegedly pointed a shotgun at the responding officer, who drove away.
The highway was closed and the officer brought his cruiser to a stop, moving to the front end of the cruiser with his rifle.
“Drop the gun, buddy,” said the officer, according to footage from his body-worn camera, presented as evidence to the SIU.
“Will you set the gun down for me buddy? It’s all good.”
The man mumbled a response, and the officer spoke to him again.
“Put the gun down. I need you to put the gun down, buddy. Stop walking, that’s all you’ve got to do. Stop walking. Stop walking with the gun right now.”
The complainant then swore at the officer, leading the officer to ask his name.
“Talk to me. I need you to talk to me.”
“No, I can’t,” said the accused, who continued approaching the officer.
The man then raised his gun and pulled the trigger. It failed to discharge. He pulled the trigger again and this time the cruiser door was struck.
The officer was not injured.
Another officer fired a semi-automatic pistol at the man, striking him in the right chest.
The accused was then approached and handcuffed.
Officers rendered first aid, pending the arrival of paramedics.
SIU director Joseph Martino determined there were no grounds to warrant criminal charges, citing Section 34 of the Criminal Code. Martino noted the officers were engaged in the lawful execution of their duties and given the circumstances, with a man approaching them with a weapon in hand, the officers had cause to confront the man for serious criminal offences and to ensure public safety.
The subject official declined to be interviewed by SIU investigators.
