SIU investigates after man fatally shot by Hamilton police

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a 19-year-old man was fatally shot by Hamilton police on Tuesday.

Officers were called to Caledon Ave. near Tyrone Dr. around 3:30 p.m. for reports of an armed man.

“Hamilton Police Service responded to a threat in progress involving a weapon at a townhouse complex on Caledon Avenue,” said Hamilton police in a news release. “Upon arrival, Hamilton Police interacted with an adult male.”

The Special Investigations Unit says two officers discharged their firearms and the man was struck.

He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

HPS responded to a threat in progress involving a weapon at a townhouse complex on Caledon Ave. Upon arrival, HPS interacted with an adult male. As a result of the interaction, the male has been transported to hospital & the SIU has invoked their mandate. #HamOnt

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) April 3, 2018

Ontario’s police watchdog invoked their mandate and has assigned five investigators and three forensic investigators to the incident. Two subject officers and four witness officers have also been designated.

Monica Hudon, spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit, would not say if the teenager was tazed before officers fired their weapons. “The nature of the interaction is part of the SIU’s investigation,” said Hudon.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.