Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has been called in after a 35-year-old man was shot dead by London police.
The SIU says its preliminary investigation has determined London police officers were called to a home on Duchess Ave. near Edward St. in Old South around 6am Friday.
There was a confrontation with a man at the home. The 35-year-old man was shot by police and died. One police officer suffered minor injuries but did not require medical attention. Speaking at a news conference Friday afternoon, Deputy Chief Steve Williams would not comment on reports the injured officer was shot with a crossbow.
"Please understand that in matters such as this, we are prevented for releasing details of the incident under investigation as the province's Special Investigations Unit has carriage of the investigation," said Williams. It is unclear whether officers were at the home to carry out a search warrant or an arrest warrant.
"The reason for our officers attendance at that location will form part of the SIU investigation," said Williams. "I think it's important that we respect that process."
Williams addressed the media on behalf of Chief John Pare, who is currently out of the province but has been made aware of the situation. During the roughly five minute news conference, Williams expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased man.
"On behalf of Chief Pare and the men and women of the London police service I also offer my sympathies to the loved ones of the deceased. This is a difficult time for them and our thoughts are with them," said Williams
Five SIU investigators and three forensic investigators have been assigned to investigate the incident.
"We ask for your patience to let the investigation unfold," said Williams.
A neighbour, who did not wish to give her name, told Blackburn News a woman and two children were removed from the home following the altercation with police. She said police had visited the home several times prior to this incident.
Police have cordoned off Duchess Ave. between Lundy Lane and Edward St.
The province's police watchdog investigates whenever a civilian is injured or killed during interactions with police.