Family of Rodger Kotanko launches wrongful death suit against Toronto police

The family of the Port Dover gunsmith, shot and killed by Toronto police, has launched a wrongful death lawsuit against the force.

Rodger Kotanko’s family alleges police used excessive force and unlawfully executed a search warrant when they raided the 70-year-old’s home on Port Ryerse Rd., on November 3rd, 2021.

The Special Investigations Unit is investigating Kotanko’s death and says a Toronto police officer shot and killed Kotanko that day.

The family’s lawsuit seeks $23 million in damages in his death. The suit alleges police did not show anyone the search warrant the day of the raid and was obtained using irrelevant and prejudicial information. It’s also alleged that the officers unlawfully detained and restrained Kotanko’s wife and prevented her from providing him with comfort after he was shot.