A 21-year-old man is dead after falling from a balcony of a highrise in Toronto as York Regional Police were undertaking a search warrant Monday morning.
According to a Special Investigations Unit report, officers attempted to communicate with the man at a condo as he fell to a fourth-floor patio at about 5 a.m. He was later transported to a hospital.
“Our officers were executing a search warrant in the area of Evans Avenue and Sherway Gardens Road in Toronto when they had an interaction with a male party,” said Const. Kevin Nebrija. “As a result of that interaction, a 21-year-old male from Toronto suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a trauma centre where he was pronounced deceased.”
York Regional Police declined to comment when asked to explain how they were involved and what kind of search warrant they were executing, as Ontario’s police watchdog has taken over the case.
“As the Special Investigations Unit has been engaged, we cannot provide any further comment or answer any questions beyond what was stated above,” said Nebrija.
The SIU is an independent agency that investigates the conduct of police officers in incidents that may have resulted in death, serious injury, the discharge of a firearm, and allegations of sexual assault. Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.
SIU communications coordinator Monica Hudson said the investigation will focus on the interaction between officers and the man before his death.
"As part of the SIU’s investigation, the unit will be requesting documents and other evidence from the police service, as well as interviews with involved officers," Hudson said.
The SIU urges anyone with information about the investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.
