OPP officer charged in shooting death after SIU investigation
A Chatham-Kent OPP officer has been charged with manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death following a fatal shooting in July 2021.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says it has reasonable grounds to believe Const. Sean O'Rourke committed criminal offences in relation to the death of 24-year-old man.
The incident began around 4:30 a.m. on July 7, 2021 when OPP officers responded for reports of a gas theft from a local station.
Police spotted the suspect vehicle, following it westbound on Highway 401, when the car lost control and rolled into the centre ditch near Highgate, Ont.
The SIU says during an interaction with the suspect in the vehicle, an officer discharged his firearm. The driver was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
The investigation into the death shut down Highway 401 in both directions for hours, causing long delays.
O'Rourke was arrested Friday and then released on an undertaking with conditions.
He is next scheduled to appear in a Chatham court on Feb. 16.
OPP Association President Rob Stinson released a statement late Friday saying they supported O'Rourke and other officers at the scene that night.
He added that their members have cooperated with the SIU and called the event itself "tragic," and encouraged members in need of support to reach out.
"Our lawyers will vigorously defend the actions of our officer in a court of law. The upcoming judicial process will be long and stressful for all impacted and we urge all OPPA Members who are impacted by this incident to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.