DEER LAKE FIRST NATION — The province’s Special Investigations Unit and the OPP are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 45-year-old man in Deer Lake First Nation Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement late Wednesday, the SIU released the following information, saying it was its preliminary understanding of what transpired in the remote community:
- At approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 22, 2025, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) officers went to a residence in the community, located 580 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, as they had a warrant to arrest the man.
- The man fled from the house.
- There was an interaction, and one NAPS officer discharged his firearm at the man.
- Officers provided first aid and the man was taken to a nursing station where he was pronounced deceased.
Two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.
One subject official and one witness official has been designated at this time.
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 at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php
Witnesses and video footage are also being sought by the OPP.
Provincial police announced Wednesday evening they are investigating the circumstances "leading up to NAPS attendance as well as the immediate situation at the scene as officers arrived."
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., to 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.
This story was updated at 10:06 pm July 23rd to include additional information provided by OPP
