Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a man in Midland after he was bitten by a police dog. The man had been involved in a gun-related call and was later located by the dog. He was arrested but died in the hospital. A post-mortem has been scheduled. CP24 reported
The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has initiated an inquiry into the death of a man in Midland, Ontario, following an incident where he was bitten by a police dog. According to the SIU, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) South Georgian Bay detachment responded to a call regarding a gun-related incident involving two men on October 13. Upon arrival, one of the men fled the scene but was later located by a police dog. During the interaction, the dog bit the man, who was subsequently arrested. Unfortunately, the man passed away in the hospital on Sunday. The SIU was informed of the death by the OPP the following day. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday. The SIU, which investigates cases involving the police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person, has assigned three investigators to the case.
While the SIU has provided limited information about the incident, the OPP issued news releases in the days following the October 13 incident, offering more details. According to the OPP, officers were called to the Bay Street and Second Avenue area in response to a reported dispute at around 2:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that one of the individuals involved in the dispute had been seen carrying a firearm before leaving the area in a vehicle. The investigation led the officers to a residential complex on William Street, where the man and a woman barricaded themselves. After several hours, the woman exited the complex and was taken into custody. Later that evening, the male suspect was also apprehended and taken to the hospital for minor injuries sustained during the arrest involving the police dog. The man, identified as 45-year-old Dale Lewis, was subsequently charged with nine firearm and drug-related offenses. Additionally, a 40-year-old woman was charged in connection with the incident. Following the resolution of the standoff, officers executed a search warrant at Lewis’ apartment, leading to the seizure of drugs, airsoft rifles, ammunition, a machete, Canadian currency, and drug paraphernalia.
The SIU’s investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and whether the conduct of the police contributed to the outcome..