The province’s police watch dog has invoked its mandate in relation to an ongoing investigation in the town of Latchford, north of North Bay.
The OPP says yesterday evening, Kirkland Lake OPP initiated a traffic stop in Kirkland Lake. Police say the vehicle didn’t stop, and officers engaged in pursuit.
A shelter-in-place incident was then issued for Latchford and the surrounding area but has since been lifted.
Police say one person is dead and another has been taken into custody, adding there are no ongoing concerns for public safety.
Residents should anticipate an increased police presence in the area.
The OPP says Highway 11 remains closed from Portage Bay Road to Highway 11B for investigation and motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes or avoid the area if possible.
Officials say OPP has notified the SIU, which has invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP will not be able to provide any further information.
According to its website, the mandate of the SIU is to “nurture confidence in Ontario’s police services and select special constables and peace officers by assuring the public that the actions of these officials resulting in serious injury, death, the discharge of a firearm at a person or an allegation of sexual assault are subjected to rigorous, independent investigations. Incidents which fall within this mandate must be reported to the SIU by the organization which employs the involved official and/or may be reported by any other person or organization.”
