Coroner’s inquest to examine 2019 death of Hawkesbury man Tasered by OPP
Posted Apr 18, 2024 04:09:42 PM.
Last Updated Apr 18, 2024 04:21:19 PM.
The province has announced a coroner’s inquest into the death of a 31-year-old man, following an interaction with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Hawkesbury.
The incident happened May 2, 2019, after police responded to a home on Abbott Street.
A Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigation heard the caller was suffering from mental health issues and was arguing with his neighbour.
When officers arrived, they said they deployed a Taser, fearing the man would jump from his balcony.
Police told SIU investigators it was not successful, a struggle ensued and the man went into cardiac arrest.
Paramedics performed CPR to resuscitate the man, and he was rushed to hospital.
Nicholas Taylor passed away May 10, 2019.
The SIU ultimately decided not to press charges, finding the use of force was lawful.
The results of that investigation also found “the Complainant’s death was attributable to a drug overdose.”
A statement from the Ministry of the Solicitor General says the mandatory inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s death, and a jury may also make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths.
