Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has launched an investigation after a man fell from a parking garage in Ottawa's ByWard Market while fleeing from police on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on York Street, near the intersection with Dalhousie Street, where emergency crews responded to reports of a man who had fallen from a multi-level parking structure. The man was pursued by Ottawa police officers prior to the fall, according to the SIU.
Paramedics transported the man to a local hospital with serious injuries. The SIU has invoked its mandate, meaning the agency will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the actions of the police officers involved.
York Street was closed between Dalhousie Street and Cumberland Street for several hours as investigators processed the scene. The SIU has assigned three investigators and two forensic investigators to the case.
In a statement, the SIU confirmed that the man was being chased by police when he fell from the parking garage. The agency is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video footage to come forward.
Ottawa police have not released further details about the incident, citing the ongoing SIU investigation. The SIU is an independent agency that investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
