Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a man jumped into Niagara Falls — and is presumed to have died — while a police officer was present.
At about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Niagara Parks Police were called about a man on the edge of Horseshoe Falls near Table Rock Welcome Centre, the Special Investigations Unit said.
A police officer immediately responded, SIU said, and tried to communicate with the man. A short time later, the man entered the falls.
The man is presumed to have died, although no body has yet been found, SIU said.
The agency is looking to speak with people who were in the area at the time and have cellphone video in order to identify the man and contact his family.
The person is described as Black, between 30 and 40 years old, and was wearing a dark-coloured tuque and clothing and carrying a backpack.
Anyone with information that can assist the investigation, including video or photos, is asked by the SIU to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.
The SIU is investigating the incident because a police officer was present at the time of the incident.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officers in incidents resulting in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
