An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer is facing several criminal charges after a shooting last summer that injured an 18-year-old man, said the province’s police watchdog.
The shooting took place on Aug. 20, 2022 in Orillia, Ont. around 4:15 a.m., after the officer began pursuit of a pickup truck driver, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said in a press release Monday.
The two occupants exited the vehicle and shortly after, the OPP constable shot one of the occupants, an 18-year-old man, who was transported to hospital with a serious injury, the report continued.
A previous report by the watchdog said the officer suspected the driver was impaired. The release said the officer tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled.
The truck was involved in a collision with a street light and two other vehicles, said the SIU, in a parking lot at 600 Sundial Dr.
The OPP constable is facing various charges including criminal negligence causing bodily harm, careless use of firearm, assault causing bodily harm and assault using a weapon, the SIU said in a press release Monday.
The OPP constable is expected to appear in court in Orillia, Ont. on March 28.
“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation,” the watchdog said in a news release.
In a statement released Monday, the Ontario Provincial Police Association said it supports the officer, who the union said was “carrying out his duties... when he responded to a call for a fail to remain vehicle collision in Orillia.”
“We provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system,” the OPPA statement said.
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OPP officer faces numerous criminal charges after shooting 18-year-old man in Orillia
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OPP officer faces numerous criminal charges after shooting 18-year-old man in Orillia
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OPP officer faces multiple charges for Orillia shooting last year
An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer is facing multiple charges in connection to a civilian shooting in Orillia last year.
In a news release Monday, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said its director Joseph Martino "has reasonable grounds to believe" that the officer committed several criminal offences when he shot a man on Aug. 20 following a pursuit of a pickup truck.
On that day around 4:15 a.m., OPP officers attempted to stop a vehicle near West Street they suspected was being driven by an impaired driver, the SIU said when it launched its investigation in August.
The SIU said then that the driver fled and officers followed it to a residential parking lot, where the vehicle collided with a light standard and two other vehicles.
The SIU said a struggle then ensued as officers attempted to arrest two male occupants. One officer fired his gun and struck an 18-year-old man who was sent to hospital with a serious injury.
The officer who fired his gun is now facing one count each of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, careless use of a firearm, assault causing bodily harm and assault using a weapon, the SIU said Monday.
He is set to appear in Orillia court on March 28.
OPP association supports accused officer
The SIU is an independent government agency called in to investigate when people are killed or seriously injured in interactions with police officers in Ontario.
However, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, a union representing over 6,000 uniformed OPP officers and nearly 3,000 civilian staff, said it supports the accused officer.
The association said the officer was carrying out his duties when he responded to the call for a failure to remain after a vehicle collision, and will be providing him with legal counsel.
"We look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system," their statement reads.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6777613
In a news release Monday, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said its director Joseph Martino "has reasonable grounds to believe" that the officer committed several criminal offences when he shot a man on Aug. 20 following a pursuit of a pickup truck.
On that day around 4:15 a.m., OPP officers attempted to stop a vehicle near West Street they suspected was being driven by an impaired driver, the SIU said when it launched its investigation in August.
The SIU said then that the driver fled and officers followed it to a residential parking lot, where the vehicle collided with a light standard and two other vehicles.
The SIU said a struggle then ensued as officers attempted to arrest two male occupants. One officer fired his gun and struck an 18-year-old man who was sent to hospital with a serious injury.
The officer who fired his gun is now facing one count each of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, careless use of a firearm, assault causing bodily harm and assault using a weapon, the SIU said Monday.
He is set to appear in Orillia court on March 28.
OPP association supports accused officer
The SIU is an independent government agency called in to investigate when people are killed or seriously injured in interactions with police officers in Ontario.
However, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, a union representing over 6,000 uniformed OPP officers and nearly 3,000 civilian staff, said it supports the accused officer.
The association said the officer was carrying out his duties when he responded to the call for a failure to remain after a vehicle collision, and will be providing him with legal counsel.
"We look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system," their statement reads.
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OPP officer faces numerous charges in relation to Orillia shooting
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed criminal offences in relation to a shooting that occurred in August of 2022 in Orillia.
The SIU investigation found that on August 20, 2022, OPP officers became involved in a pursuit with a pickup truck. In the area of Highway 11 and Sundial Drive, the pickup truck became involved in a collision.
Both occupants from the pickup truck exited the vehicle.
Shortly after, one officer discharged his firearm and an 18-year-old man – one of the occupants – was struck.
He was transported to hospital for treatment of a serious injury.
As a result of the SIU investigation, OPP Constable Michael Walli is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
- One count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 221;
- One count of careless use of firearm, contrary to s 86(1);
- One count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s 267(b); and
- One count of assault using a weapon, contrary to s. 267(a).
Cst Walli is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 700 Memorial Avenue in Orillia on March 28, 2023.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
https://siu.on.ca/opp-officer-faces-cha ... ing-en8441
The SIU investigation found that on August 20, 2022, OPP officers became involved in a pursuit with a pickup truck. In the area of Highway 11 and Sundial Drive, the pickup truck became involved in a collision.
Both occupants from the pickup truck exited the vehicle.
Shortly after, one officer discharged his firearm and an 18-year-old man – one of the occupants – was struck.
He was transported to hospital for treatment of a serious injury.
As a result of the SIU investigation, OPP Constable Michael Walli is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
- One count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 221;
- One count of careless use of firearm, contrary to s 86(1);
- One count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s 267(b); and
- One count of assault using a weapon, contrary to s. 267(a).
Cst Walli is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 700 Memorial Avenue in Orillia on March 28, 2023.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
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OPP officer facing charges in connection with Orillia shooting
An Ontario Provincial Police officer is now facing charges in connection with an on-duty shooting in Orillia this past summer.
The Special Investigations Unit has previously said that an OPP officer observed a “suspected impaired driver” in the vicinity of West Street at around 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 20 and attempted to pull the vehicle over.
However, the motorist fled the scene. It then collided with a light standard and two other vehicles in a parking lot outside a retirement residence on Sundial Drive.
The SIU has said that as officers attempted to arrest the two male occupants of the vehicle following the collision “a struggle ensured.” The Special Investigations Unit says that an officer then shot an 18-year-old man, causing him to sustain serious injuries.
The SIU invoked its mandate a short time later and began an investigation into the incident.
On Monday, the SIU announced that Const. Michael Walli has been charged with four offences as a result of the investigation, including assault causing bodily harm and careless use of a firearm.
Walli is expected to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on March 28.
“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation,” a press release issued by the SIU states.
In a statement, the union representing Ontario Provincial Police officers said it supports Walli and is providing him with a lawyer.
“As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system,” the Ontario Provincial Police Association said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the OPP Association
https://www.cp24.com/news/opp-officer-f ... -1.6311325
The Special Investigations Unit has previously said that an OPP officer observed a “suspected impaired driver” in the vicinity of West Street at around 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 20 and attempted to pull the vehicle over.
However, the motorist fled the scene. It then collided with a light standard and two other vehicles in a parking lot outside a retirement residence on Sundial Drive.
The SIU has said that as officers attempted to arrest the two male occupants of the vehicle following the collision “a struggle ensured.” The Special Investigations Unit says that an officer then shot an 18-year-old man, causing him to sustain serious injuries.
The SIU invoked its mandate a short time later and began an investigation into the incident.
On Monday, the SIU announced that Const. Michael Walli has been charged with four offences as a result of the investigation, including assault causing bodily harm and careless use of a firearm.
Walli is expected to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on March 28.
“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation,” a press release issued by the SIU states.
In a statement, the union representing Ontario Provincial Police officers said it supports Walli and is providing him with a lawyer.
“As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system,” the Ontario Provincial Police Association said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the OPP Association
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Orillia OPP officer facing charges after 2022 shooting: SIU
The officer discharged his firearm and seriously injured an 18-year-old who fled a vehicle after a chase on Highway 11, the SIU says
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed criminal offences in relation to a shooting that occurred in August of 2022 in Orillia.
The SIU investigation found that on Aug. 20, 2022, OPP officers became involved in a pursuit with a pickup truck. In the area of Highway 11 and Sundial Drive, the pickup truck became involved in a collision. Both occupants from the pickup truck exited the vehicle.
Shortly after, one officer discharged his firearm and an 18-year-old man – one of the occupants – was struck. He was transported to hospital for treatment of a serious injury.
As a result of the SIU investigation, OPP Constable Michael Walli is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
- One count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 221;
- One count of careless use of firearm, contrary to s 86(1);
- One count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s 267(b); and
- One count of assault using a weapon, contrary to s. 267(a).\
Cst. Walli is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 700 Memorial Ave. in Orillia on March 28, 2023.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
The OPP Association issued a statement of support of the officer.
“The OPP Association supports OPP Provincial Constable Mike Walli who was carrying out his duties on Aug. 20, 2022, when he responded to a call for a fail to remain vehicle collision in Orillia. As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system," notes the association's president, John Cerasuolo.
"We are mindful that the upcoming legal proceedings will be long and stressful for PC Walli and other OPPA members impacted by this incident. We encourage and urge all OPPA Members to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports available by contacting 24/7 1-866-794-9117 or online at EncompasCare.ca.”
According to Bill Dickson, the OPP's manager of media relations, Const. Walli "has been assigned to modified duties pending the outcome of the court proceedings."
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-ne ... iu-6691735
https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/siu-charges-o ... -1.6311189
https://globalnews.ca/news/9548432/opp- ... stigation/
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed criminal offences in relation to a shooting that occurred in August of 2022 in Orillia.
The SIU investigation found that on Aug. 20, 2022, OPP officers became involved in a pursuit with a pickup truck. In the area of Highway 11 and Sundial Drive, the pickup truck became involved in a collision. Both occupants from the pickup truck exited the vehicle.
Shortly after, one officer discharged his firearm and an 18-year-old man – one of the occupants – was struck. He was transported to hospital for treatment of a serious injury.
As a result of the SIU investigation, OPP Constable Michael Walli is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
- One count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 221;
- One count of careless use of firearm, contrary to s 86(1);
- One count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s 267(b); and
- One count of assault using a weapon, contrary to s. 267(a).\
Cst. Walli is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 700 Memorial Ave. in Orillia on March 28, 2023.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
The OPP Association issued a statement of support of the officer.
“The OPP Association supports OPP Provincial Constable Mike Walli who was carrying out his duties on Aug. 20, 2022, when he responded to a call for a fail to remain vehicle collision in Orillia. As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system," notes the association's president, John Cerasuolo.
"We are mindful that the upcoming legal proceedings will be long and stressful for PC Walli and other OPPA members impacted by this incident. We encourage and urge all OPPA Members to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports available by contacting 24/7 1-866-794-9117 or online at EncompasCare.ca.”
According to Bill Dickson, the OPP's manager of media relations, Const. Walli "has been assigned to modified duties pending the outcome of the court proceedings."
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Police association issues statement of support for officer charged by SIU
OPPA says it is supporting officer and providing legal counsel
The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) has taken a rare move and issued a statement after an officer was charged by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
On Monday, March 13, the SIU announced it has charged Orillia OPP Const. Mike Walli with criminal negligence causing harm, careless use of a firearm, assault with a weapon, and assault causing bodily harm in connection to an incident on Aug. 20, 2022.
According to the SIU, officers were pursuing a vehicle when it was involved in a collision with a light standard in a Sundial Drive parking lot. A struggle between the officers and the two occupants allegedly ensued after the pair left the damaged vehicle, and an officer's weapon discharged.
An 18-year-old man suffered non-life threatening injuries as a result.
The OPPA says Walli was just doing his duty.
"The OPP Association supports OPP Provincial Const. Mike Walli who was carrying out his duties on August 20, 2022, when he responded to a call for a fail to remain vehicle collision in Orillia. As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system," said OPPA President John Cerasuolo.
"We are mindful that the upcoming legal proceedings will be long and stressful for PC Walli and other OPPA members impacted by this incident. We encourage and urge all OPPA members to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports available by contacting 24-7 1-866-794-9117 or online at EncompasCare.ca," he added.
Walli will appear in Orillia court on March 28.
https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/10867 ... ed-by-siu/
The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) has taken a rare move and issued a statement after an officer was charged by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
On Monday, March 13, the SIU announced it has charged Orillia OPP Const. Mike Walli with criminal negligence causing harm, careless use of a firearm, assault with a weapon, and assault causing bodily harm in connection to an incident on Aug. 20, 2022.
According to the SIU, officers were pursuing a vehicle when it was involved in a collision with a light standard in a Sundial Drive parking lot. A struggle between the officers and the two occupants allegedly ensued after the pair left the damaged vehicle, and an officer's weapon discharged.
An 18-year-old man suffered non-life threatening injuries as a result.
The OPPA says Walli was just doing his duty.
"The OPP Association supports OPP Provincial Const. Mike Walli who was carrying out his duties on August 20, 2022, when he responded to a call for a fail to remain vehicle collision in Orillia. As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system," said OPPA President John Cerasuolo.
"We are mindful that the upcoming legal proceedings will be long and stressful for PC Walli and other OPPA members impacted by this incident. We encourage and urge all OPPA members to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports available by contacting 24-7 1-866-794-9117 or online at EncompasCare.ca," he added.
Walli will appear in Orillia court on March 28.
https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/10867 ... ed-by-siu/
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OPP officer pleads guilty to accidental shooting in Orillia
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Michael Walli pleaded guilty on Monday to accidentally shooting an 18-year-old man after a high-speed chase and risky takedown in Orillia two years ago.
The officer was set to stand trial on charges of criminal negligence, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and careless use of a firearm for the shooting that happened in an Orillia retirement home parking lot near Highway 11 and Sundial Drive.
The incident began when officers noticed a pickup truck speed through a stop sign in the early morning hours on August 20, 2022, as items from a large toolbox fell from the tailgate onto the road.
A police pursuit ensued, with the pickup truck hitting speeds of 160km/h. The pursuit ended with the suspect truck hitting a curb, becoming airborne and crashing into a light standard and two parked vehicles in the Sundial Drive parking lot.
Walli and another officer arrived at the scene and drew their weapons, commanding the truck's occupants to exit the vehicle.
The court heard two suspects, an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old, climbed out of the vehicle through the shattered back window into the truck bed.
An Agreed Statement of Facts jointly submitted by the defence and the Crown stated Walli discharged his firearm without intending to do so, striking the 18-year-old suspect in the leg.
The court document noted that while Walli's actions of pulling out his firearm and pointing it at the suspect were warranted given the dangerousness of the situation, he should not have had his finger on the trigger, "which created the risk of an accidental discharge."
The court heard that after accidentally firing his weapon, Walli and several other officers immediately attempted first aid. Walli then went off by himself in the parking lot as officers placed the suspect into custody and appeared visibly upset.
Justice Peter West told Walli he believed he would become a better police officer because of the incident.
"You accepted responsibility for your actions. You recognize that you made a mistake and that's an important thing for a police officer," the judge stated.
"Training doesn't happen just once; it happens repeatedly because people forget, people get complacent. And they shouldn't. Especially as police officers because of the danger that they're in, frankly, all the time," West continued.
The suspect spent five days in the hospital before being taken into custody. Three months later, he pleaded guilty to theft of the vehicle and fleeing police.
Walli was handed a conditional discharge after entering a guilty plea to careless use of a firearm.
The defence acknowledged Walli could now face consequences under the Police Services Act.
"You are someone who should maintain this occupation," the judge said.
All other charges against the officer were withdrawn.
Along with a two-year probation, Walli was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. The defence told the court that it had already completed 25 hours with victim services.
https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/opp-officer-p ... -1.6955657
The officer was set to stand trial on charges of criminal negligence, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and careless use of a firearm for the shooting that happened in an Orillia retirement home parking lot near Highway 11 and Sundial Drive.
The incident began when officers noticed a pickup truck speed through a stop sign in the early morning hours on August 20, 2022, as items from a large toolbox fell from the tailgate onto the road.
A police pursuit ensued, with the pickup truck hitting speeds of 160km/h. The pursuit ended with the suspect truck hitting a curb, becoming airborne and crashing into a light standard and two parked vehicles in the Sundial Drive parking lot.
Walli and another officer arrived at the scene and drew their weapons, commanding the truck's occupants to exit the vehicle.
The court heard two suspects, an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old, climbed out of the vehicle through the shattered back window into the truck bed.
An Agreed Statement of Facts jointly submitted by the defence and the Crown stated Walli discharged his firearm without intending to do so, striking the 18-year-old suspect in the leg.
The court document noted that while Walli's actions of pulling out his firearm and pointing it at the suspect were warranted given the dangerousness of the situation, he should not have had his finger on the trigger, "which created the risk of an accidental discharge."
The court heard that after accidentally firing his weapon, Walli and several other officers immediately attempted first aid. Walli then went off by himself in the parking lot as officers placed the suspect into custody and appeared visibly upset.
Justice Peter West told Walli he believed he would become a better police officer because of the incident.
"You accepted responsibility for your actions. You recognize that you made a mistake and that's an important thing for a police officer," the judge stated.
"Training doesn't happen just once; it happens repeatedly because people forget, people get complacent. And they shouldn't. Especially as police officers because of the danger that they're in, frankly, all the time," West continued.
The suspect spent five days in the hospital before being taken into custody. Three months later, he pleaded guilty to theft of the vehicle and fleeing police.
Walli was handed a conditional discharge after entering a guilty plea to careless use of a firearm.
The defence acknowledged Walli could now face consequences under the Police Services Act.
"You are someone who should maintain this occupation," the judge said.
All other charges against the officer were withdrawn.
Along with a two-year probation, Walli was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. The defence told the court that it had already completed 25 hours with victim services.
https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/opp-officer-p ... -1.6955657
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