Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating a weekend crime spree that ended in the police shooting death of a 48-year-old man.
The man allegedly committed multiple vehicle thefts and residential break-and-enters.
On Feb. 21, police found him in a stolen vehicle. Officers deployed a tire-deflation device, causing the vehicle to leave the road, and the suspect fled on foot.
Officers found the man near North Bruce, where there was an interaction between him and police.
The Special Investigations Unit said an officer fired his gun and struck the man. He was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Four investigators and three forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.
Police believe a five-vehicle crash in Port Elgin may be connected to the case, but the SIU and OPP have not confirmed this.
Witnesses said they heard about an assault with a knife and another involving a taxi driver, which may also be connected but has not been confirmed.
The SIU is asking anyone with information to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529.
