“The file has been closed and no further action is contemplated…” Tony Loparco, Director of Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) wrote in a letter to Cobourg’s Chief of Police Kai Liu clearing the actions of two Cobourg officers involved in a police shooting that left a male homicide suspect dead in October, 2017. The Cobourg Police officers were responding to Cobourg’s first homicide in over 10 years when the 70 year old male suspect shot and killed his wife while being cared for in our local hospital. Police Chief Kai Liu said: “With the completion of the SIU investigation, I am no longer prohibited by the Police Services Act from speaking about this tragic and disturbing event that took place in our community. “ “When this domestic homicide occurred, lives were forever changed. This tragic event touched the lives of Northumberland Hills Hospital staff, police officers, Special Constables, dispatchers, firefighters and paramedics and certainly stole a bit of our community’s innocence. During this event, we had hospital staff, physicians, security and police officers run towards personal danger to protect strangers they had never met. With their quick action of calling 911, the Emergency Department team protected patients under their care. Likewise, as I read the SIU report (http://www.ontario.ca/page/siu-directors-reportcase-17-ofd-313 ) I am very proud of the heroic actions of my responding officers. Cobourg Police officers responded professionally as they were trained. This tragic event has inspired the Northumberland Hills Hospital and Cobourg Police Service teams to work collaboratively to research, develop and implement enhanced Active Attacker training for hospital and police personnel. It’s our intention that this outcome will not only assist our own community in feeling safe, but also support other hospitals across our province and beyond as they too enhance measures to guard against gun violence.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
