The Special Investigations Unit has found no reasonable grounds to believe a Toronto Police officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the death of 70-year-old Rodger Kotanko.
Rodger Kotanko, a Norfolk County gunsmith, was shot and killed on November 3, 2021, while he was with a customer in his workshop.
In the press release from the SIU it says two officers attended the Port Ryerse Road residence to execute a search warrant as part of a firearms-trafficking investigation.
The release continues to say the officers entered the workshop on the property, where the door was open, and identified themselves as police.
“The customer complied, but Mr. Kotanko did not, despite multiple commands,” reads the press release. “Within seconds of their entry, Mr. Kotanko reached with his right hand towards the workbench, retrieved a firearm, and pointed it at the officers as they yelled at him to drop the gun. He did not.”
Kotanko was shot four times.
According to the release officers cared for Kotanko until paramedics arrived. He was then transported to hosptial where he died from the injuries.
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, concluded that the force used by the officer was legally justified to protect himself and the other officer.
We have reached out to lawyer Michael Smitiuch for comments from the family.
Written by: Ashley Taylor