Suspect with axe shot dead by Sudbury police, SIU investigating
SIU probes fatal police shooting of axe-wielding suspect in Sudbury

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been called in to probe a fatal police shooting that occurred in Sudbury, Ontario, on Friday morning. The incident involved a suspect reportedly armed with an axe.

SIU Launches Investigation into Fatal Encounter

According to reports, the confrontation took place on the morning of Friday, December 5, 2025. Sudbury police officers responded to a situation involving an individual wielding an axe. The encounter resulted in police discharging their firearms, fatally wounding the suspect. The province's police watchdog, the SIU, was immediately notified and has invoked its mandate.

An SIU investigator was photographed at the scene examining a Sudbury police vehicle as part of the evidence-gathering process. The SIU is automatically called in to investigate any incident involving police in Ontario that results in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault.

Details of the Incident Remain Under Scrutiny

While the SIU has confirmed the shooting and its investigation, specific details about what led to the lethal confrontation are still being determined. The core fact that the suspect was reportedly in possession of an axe has been established. The SIU's investigation will seek to piece together the sequence of events, including the actions of both the police and the suspect leading up to the shooting.

The investigation is standard procedure for such serious incidents and aims to ensure transparency and accountability. The SIU will examine all available evidence, which may include witness statements, police communications, and forensic analysis.

Community and Procedural Aftermath

Fatal police shootings are rare but significant events that deeply impact communities and raise questions about public safety and police protocols. The SIU's independent review is crucial for maintaining public trust. Its findings will determine whether the officers' use of force was justified under the circumstances.

As the investigation unfolds, further information regarding the identity of the deceased and the precise location of the incident is expected to be released by the SIU. The watchdog typically provides updates as its investigation progresses, though a full report may take several months to complete.

The Sudbury Police Service will have its own internal review processes alongside the SIU probe. The community now awaits answers as the official investigation works to clarify the exact circumstances of this tragic Friday morning event.