Editor's note: This article has been updated multiple times on Aug. 15 and 16, upon the release of new information from the Special Investigations Unit and South Simcoe Police Service. InnisfilToday will continue to follow this developing story.
Two 19-year-olds were shot, one fatally, during an incident involving South Simcoe police in Innisfil Thursday afternoon.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has been called in after an interaction between officers and the men outside a residence on Shoreview Drive, in the north end of the town, around 3 p.m. on Aug. 15. In a statement, the SIU says four officers “discharged their firearms at the men” while responding to a family dispute.
One of the teens was transported to hospital in Barrie, where he was pronounced dead; the other had critical injuries and was sent to a hospital in Toronto.
“Officers arrived and there was an interaction involving the two men outside the residence,” the SIU's Kristy Denette said in a media release late Thursday night.
Just prior to that release, South Simcoe issued a statement of its own, noting its officers had responded to a “violent incident” at a residential address in Innisfil.
“Upon arrival, there was an altercation between officers and two subjects,” South Simcoe stated. “As a result, both subjects suffered serious and life-threatening injuries.”
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person. Its civilian investigators look at whether the officers have committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident. Depending on the evidence, either a criminal charge can be laid or the case will be closed.
Where possible, SIU probes must be completed within 120 days.
However, that's not set in stone.
"It’s difficult to say how long any investigation will take, as each investigation has its own requirements and procedures," SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon told InnisfilToday on Friday.
The SIU publicly reports the results of its investigations.
"Four investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case," Denette said.
The SIU has confirmed the officers were wearing body cameras at the time of the incident.
Because the SIU has now invoked its mandate, South Simcoe police are unable to comment on the situation, the department said.
It did, however, confirm this is the same incident for which a public advisory had been issued late Thursday afternoon.
"Please avoid the area," police said in the advisory. "There is no threat to the public at this time."
South Simcoe has asked the Ontario Provincial Police to conduct a parallel investigation into this incident.
Several neighbours approached by InnisfilToday Friday morning declined to comment. Shoreview runs almost parallel to the southern shore of Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe and is full of large, single-detached homes.
The SIU said Friday it has no more details to release at this time. However, it is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or visit siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.
