SIU Investigates Custody Death Involving the Peel Regional Police Service

TORONTO, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a Brampton man, who died September 17, 2008 while in the custody of Peel Regional Police.

On September 16, 2008, 42-year-old Sean Reilly was arrested at a residence in Mississauga on a charge of assault with a weapon and taken to Number 12 Division on Dixie Road at approximately 5 p.m. During a struggle in the cell area, a Taser was used to subdue him. Mr. Reilly went into medical distress and was taken to the Trillium Health Centre where he died at approximately 4:45 a.m. today. A post-mortem to determine the cause of death has not yet been scheduled.

The SIU has designated four subject officers and one witness officer as part of its investigation.

The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries (including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police. Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU is mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid against the officer(s). The Director reports the results of investigations to the Attorney General.

For further information: John Yoannou, SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES Telephone/No de telephone: (416) 622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529; For general information about the SIU, please visit our website at www.siu.on.ca