An investigation of RCMP conduct during the fatal shooting of a Clyde River man on May 5, 2020 has found that officers involved did not break the law, Ottawa Police Service announced Friday.
The incident resulted in the death of Abraham Moses Natanine, 31.
Ottawa Police Service (OPS) sent four investigators to Clyde River to look into the series of events that led to the deadly confrontation at a residence. Police responded that day after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance.
The investigators interviewed 10 civilians and three police officers involved in the encounter, which Nunavut RCMP referred to as a "use of force situation."
"OPS concluded that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence in connection with his death," the Ontario police force stated in a news release, adding that it will not comment further on the matter.
OPS has a memorandum of understanding with Nunavut RCMP and the territorial government to conduct independent external investigations in instances of major police incidents involving members of the RCMP.
Brian Sauvé, president of the National Police Federation, said taking a life is an "absolute last resort" for officers, and that any death during a police response is tragic.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Abraham Moses Natanine, also with the members involved," Sauvé stated. "That said, our members have a responsibility to uphold the law and to protect the public and themselves ... We thank our members for putting their lives on the line whenever they are called to do so, and for carrying out their duties professionally and appropriately."