OPP and now SIU investigating bizarre situation resulting in suspect being shot by police

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Oxford Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police started an investigation but it has been taken over by the province’s Special Investigations Unit after an officer discharged their weapon.

On Nov. 29 just after 4:30 p.m., OPP officers responded to a report of a person jumping out of a moving vehicle on Oxford Road 6. Police say the person was then put back in the vehicle.

Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the 401 in Cambridge. During the interaction, an officer discharged their firearm and as a result, an occupant from the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants were taken to an area hospital for treatment.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed for nine hours between Cedar Creek Road in Ayr and Homer Watson Boulevard in Cambridge.

Many stranded motorists took to Twitter to voice their displeasure and there are several reports of vehicles driving the wrong way on ramps to escape the delay.

“Cars driving westbound now on the eastbound shoulder, people walking around almost being struck by these vehicles. Soon there will be more ambulances and police responding to accidents and emergencies in the closure. This is crazy and no updates,” said one angry driver.

Another was concerned about everyone’s safety.

“Seems like a lot of stranded motorists needing assistance. Understandable that there’s an investigation, but with cold, weather and time on highway, the safety of stranded motorists is becoming a factor.”

Oxford OPP media relations constable Randi Crawford did release a statement to the media following the incident.

“(We) understand that road closures can be stressful for motorists and would like to express gratitude for the patience, gratitude, understanding and cooperation of the public. During investigations such as these, we strive to reopen roads and update the public as soon as practicable, while ensuring a safe the thorough investigation.”

Bill Dickson is the OPP’s media relations coordinator for the organization’s east region and added he understood the frustration of affected motorists.

“The lanes were closed to facilitate an investigation into the incident by both the OPP and the SIU. We did post about the road closure on social media once it was determined that this would be a prolonged situation and posted once the lanes were reopened.”

Due to an officer discharging their firearm, the SIU is automatically called in to take over the investigation. The SIU released a statement over the weekend.

“An Ontario Provincial Police officer shot and wounded a 45-year-old man (Friday) on Highway 401. At approximately 5:20 p.m., Oxford OPP officers stopped the driver of a vehicle eastbound on Highway 401 in the area of Homer Watson Boulevard. One officer discharged his firearm and struck the driver of the vehicle. Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.”

The SIU 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 online at https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations conducted by SIU investigators are civilians.