Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has cleared two Peel Regional Police officers of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a 30-year-old man at Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 24, 2025. The incident unfolded in the departures drop-off area outside Terminal 1 at approximately 6:38 a.m., when airport security called the police after a woman reported that her brother was in distress due to mental illness and drug use.

The woman conveyed that her brother was refusing to leave the vehicle to board a flight to Yukon, where he had previously committed to attending a treatment program. He expressed feelings of being taken to the airport “against his will” and insisted that he did not trust police, believing his sister was “manipulating” him.

The report detailed how the situation became increasingly tense. The man, who had been displaying signs of mental distress, suddenly exited the vehicle and aimed a weapon at the officers. In response to this perceived threat, the officers discharged their firearms, firing a total of 18 rounds. Following the shooting, the man collapsed and was later pronounced dead.

Upon investigation, the SIU discovered that the weapon the man had brandished was a replica air pistol. However, SIU Director Joseph Martino emphasized that the officers could not have reasonably determined that it was not a real firearm at the time. Martino stated, “There can be no doubt that the officers reasonably believed they were about to be shot.” He added that the officers were under considerable stress and faced with extreme danger, which required them to react within seconds.

Martino noted that although gunfire continued after the man fell to the ground, the officers felt they were still under a grave risk. As a result, he was unable to conclude that the officers had exceeded their authorized use of force. The SIU has now closed the case without laying any charges against the officers.

The SIU operates as an independent civilian agency tasked with investigating incidents that result in death or serious injury, as well as cases involving allegations of sexual assault or when firearms are discharged at a person.