SIU clears Ottawa police officer in man’s death
Posted Jan 11, 2024 07:35:18 AM.
Last Updated Jan 11, 2024 09:44:59 AM.
The Special Investigation’s Unit has concluded its investigation into the death of a man in Ottawa’s west end last year.
On Sept. 12, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) was called to an apartment building on McEwan Avenue after reports of a naked man in the basement.
According to the SIU, the 41-year-old man appeared confused, agitated and impaired and was unable to answer questions from police.
Responding officers sensed the man was exhibiting symptoms of excited delirium and requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
When the Ottawa Paramedic Service arrived on scene, the man was cuffed and walked through the front lobby towards an ambulance parked out front. However, while in the lobby, the male became limp, collapsed, and went vital signs absent.
Paramedics immediately performed CPR and the man was rushed to the Queensway-Carleton Hospital (QCH) where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
While it remains unknown how and why the man died, SIU Director Joseph Martino found no reasonable grounds that the man’s death could be attributed to any conduct on the part of the subject police officer.
