SIU clears LPS officer in shooting death of London man last October

The Special Investigations Unit has found that a London police officer did not commit a criminal offence in the shooting death of tennis coach Justin Bourassa last October.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has issued its determination in connection to the shooting death of tennis coach Justin Bourassa last October.

In his determination, SIU Director Joseph Martino found “no reasonable grounds" to believe that a London Police Service (LPS) officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the shooting death of 29-year-old Justin Bourassa last October,” according to a press release issued Monday.

According to the SIU, in the early morning hours of Oct. 28, 2021, Bourassa was walking in the area of Richmond Street and Mill Street in London when he was stopped by two officers who were searching for suspects wanted for a break and enter that was reported nearby.

Unbeknownst to the police officers at the time, Bourassa was not involved with the break and enter.

The SIU said one officer held Bourassa while another approached him with handcuffs. Bourassa then broke free from of the officer’s grip and attempted to flee, but the officers grabbed him and they fell to the ground.

While on the ground, Bourassa choked one of the officers and the other officer fired his weapon, striking Bourassa.

Bourassa was taken to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.