The province’s police watchdog has determined there are no reasonable grounds to believe an Elgin OPP officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the death of a 55-year-old Elgin man last September.
Elgin OPP officers went to the 55-year-old man’s home August 28 for a well-being check. He had been seen standing at a window with a gun. The OPP tactical team and emergency response team were called in. After a period of seven hours, he was taken to hospital and admitted under a Mental Health Act order.
Three days later, police were called to the home again. Family members asked to check on his well being. There was no answer when police knocked on the door, but when they heard music being turned up louder they left.
The next day, there were called to the house after the man failed to show up for work. This time, when there was no answer, police forced their way into the home and found the man’s body in the garage.
Special Investigations Unit director Joseph Martino concluded there is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges.
The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency that investigates incidents involving police officers where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
