A Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer found not guilty of manslaughter this week after a lengthy fatal shooting trial in Chatham is under investigation by the OPP Professional Standards Unit (PSU).
The OPP told CK News Today the PSU is conducting a parallel investigation into the officer's conduct and behaviour to determine if any charges are warranted under the Police Services Act, which sets out the standards and expected behaviour for police officers.
An OPP spokesperson said the investigation doesn't fall under the new Community Safety and Policing Act because the shooting took place before the introduction of the new law.
"As with any situation such as this, SIU (Special Investigations Unit) charges take precedent. The PSU investigation will progress following the outcome of criminal proceedings, including appeals," said OPP spokesperson Gosia Puzio.
O'Rourke walked out of court a free man on Tuesday after being acquitted in the shooting death of 24-year-old Nicholas Grieves on Highway 401 near Ridgetown on July 7, 2021, following a gas theft at the OnRoute near Dutton.
