Three Canadian police officers have been charged with manslaughter and criminal negligence
Three Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in Canada have been charged with fatally shooting an 18-month-old child in an attempt to prevent an alleged parental abduction two years ago.
OPP Constables Nathan Vanderheyden, Kenneth Pengelly and Grason Cappus have been charged with manslaughter and criminal negligence, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) announced Wednesday. They are due in court on October 6.
The incident happened on November 26, 2020 when police received a call claiming that Jameson Shapiro’s father had abducted him from his home in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario.
Officers spotted the boy’s father’s truck outside of Kawartha Lakes and attempted to stop him.
The SIU said the man ended up driving his vehicle into a police cruiser and another vehicle, while also injuring one of the officers, who attempted to spike the road. After the collision, the three police officers opened fire and shot the driver and his son.
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The father succumbed to his injuries in hospital, while Jameson, one and a half, was killed instantly in the back seat.
The SIU said last year that forensic evidence indicated police shot the child.
“When a tragedy like this happens, it affects families, the community and our entire service. It is devastating when an innocent life is lost in an incident,” OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said after charges were brought against officers.
The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA), which represents the three officers, said it was « fully support » his members. The union described the boy’s death as « a tragic circumstance for all involved. »
« Every day, police officers make split-second decisions that most will never have to make and wouldn’t want to make, » insisted the OPPA. “This case is now before the courts. Everyone has the right to due process.
