'He was always smiling:' Friend reflects on man killed by Windsor police as SIU investigates
2 Windsor officers fired weapons in Beer Store incident, says SIU, which isn't naming the man
Two Windsor police officers fired their weapons at a man who later died in hospital last week, according to Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
The SIU, which isn't releasing the man's name, also says two knives were involved in the downtown incident outside The Beer Store on Friday.
Around 10:30 a.m. ET, Windsor police responded to a call for a disturbance at 790 Goyeau St.
The SIU says there was an interaction between the 57-year-old man and police before he was shot by a Windsor officer. The man was pronounced dead in hospital.
Steven Mull, who goes by Shaman Stirs the Fire, said he knew the man who died.
"In my mind and in my heart, all I could see is a radiant smile because he was always smiling. He just had a good vibe about him," said Mull.
An SIU spokesperson told CBC News that the man's post-mortem was completed Sunday, although no further details will be released.
On Saturday, Mull performed an Indigenous song in his friend's honour right next to where he was killed.
"In our teachings, he was supposed to have been buried the next day, but he's somewhere in some freezer right now. But in our teachings, by not completing the path, I had to come sing his spirit, so that way his spirit can come continue its path."
Windsor police previously said an officer sustained a "minor cut" and was treated in hospital.
The SIU won't say what types of knives were involved or how many bullets the officers fired.
Police association getting officers supports
The Windsor Police Association (WPA) says it's trying to ensure the officers involved get the proper psychological supports.
"This is a very significant and serious incident that took place. It's very tragic," said WPA president Kent Rice. "It has a profound impact on the members involved. It's not immediately after an incident like this. This is long term. You never know what the symptoms are going to be long term."
Rice is sending his condolences to the family and friends of the man who died, adding it's an extremely difficult situation for everyone involved.
He said officers hope to finish a 30-year career without ever having to use their guns.
"Those feelings of, 'Could I have done more, could I have de-escalated.' Those doubts, they're within every member, and those are humanizing factors. These members care about people and it's the last thing [they want to do]."
Five SIU investigators and two forensic investigators are assigned to the case. They left the scene on Saturday, the spokesperson said.
"Investigators continue to interview witnesses and obtain CCTV footage," said Kristy Denette, a spokesperson for the SIU.
The SIU investigates all instances that involve police when there's a death, serious injury, allegation of sexual assault or when an officer discharges a firearm at a person.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
