The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was arrested by Sudbury police on Tuesday morning. The man was reportedly involved in an intimate partner violence incident and had a medical emergency during his arrest.
What happened on Tuesday morning?
According to Sudbury police, officers were called around 10:40 a.m. to a residence on Elm Street in relation to an intimate partner violence incident. They found a 38-year-old man who was wanted on several warrants and attempted to arrest him. However, the man resisted arrest and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the man had a medical emergency and became unresponsive. Officers performed CPR and called paramedics, who took the man to hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
Who was the man and what were his warrants?
The identity of the man has not been released by the SIU or the police, pending notification of his next of kin. However, Sudbury.com reported that the man was Jason Laporte, who was wanted for several offences, including assault, uttering threats, mischief, and breach of probation. Laporte had a history of domestic violence and had been arrested several times before. He was also known to have mental health and substance abuse issues.
How is the SIU involved and what are they investigating?
The SIU is an independent agency that investigates incidents involving police officers that result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault. The SIU has invoked its mandate in this case and assigned six investigators and three forensic investigators to examine the incident. The SIU is looking into the nature and extent of the police involvement in the man’s death, as well as the cause and manner of his death. The SIU is also appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.
What are the reactions from the community and the police?
The death of the man has sparked mixed reactions from the community and the police. Some people have expressed sympathy and condolences for the man and his family, while others have criticized the police for using excessive force or failing to de-escalate the situation. The police have not commented on the specifics of the incident, but have expressed their cooperation with the SIU investigation. The police chief, Paul Pedersen, also issued a statement on Twitter, saying that he is “deeply saddened” by the death and that his thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, as well as the officers involved.
