DEER LAKE — Eric Nothing was moving towards police, and not fleeing, when he was shot by a NAPS officer on Tuesday.
An initial statement from the province’s Special Investigations Unit incorrectly said the man shot by police was fleeing when an officer discharged a firearm at him, in Deer Lake First Nation.
The SIU also issued a correction about his age. He was 40 years old, not 45 as previously stated.
Nothing's identify was reported by the Globe and Mail's Willow Fiddler, who also confirmed he was the son of Bruce Frogg who was himself killed in a police shooting over one year ago, on June 25, 2024.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nothing's death in ongoing. A post-mortem examination is being conducted Friday in Toronto.
According to the SIU, their preliminary information suggests Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers went to a residence at about 1:30 p.m. with a warrant to arrest Nothing.
Nothing exited the home and approached police.
One officer shot him.
Police provided first aid and Nothing was taken to the nursing station where he was pronounced dead.
The SIU is asking anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.
Witnesses and video footage are also being sought by the OPP, which is conduting it's own investigation into the shooting death.
They said their investigation is separate from the SIU probe, which is focusing on the police-involved interaction with the deceased.
OPP are requesting anyone with information or video, including but not limited to, surveillance, dash cam, cell phone and social media, taken in the area of the incident between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., contact them at 1-888-310-1122.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
