Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has wrapped up its investigation after a fatal fire claimed the life of a 47-year-old man in Windsor, saying there are no grounds to lay criminal charges against three police officers.
The fire was on Ford Blvd. near Raymond Ave. early on the morning of June 21, 2016.
SIU Director Tony Loparco says the man had set fire to his home and the officers risked their own safety in an attempt to save his life. There was a short interaction with the man before he was rushed to the hospital where he later died of smoke inhalation.
The officers were also treated for smoke inhalation.
The Special Investigations Unit is called in whenever there is a serious injury, sexual assault, or death involving police officers. Three investigators and a forensic investigator were assigned to the case.
Although there was an explosion, the cause was never determined. At the time, fire officials believed aerosol cans in the garage might have caused the blast. Damage was estimated at $320,000.