Ontario police watchdog investigating death of individual held at Ottawa courthouse

The Ottawa Courthouse and Land Registry Offices on Elgin St. is seen in this undated file photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a 42-year-old who was in custody at the Ottawa courthouse this week.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ottawa police officers arrested the unnamed individual Thursday. It is not immediately clear why. Ottawa police directed all questions to the SIU.

On Monday, at around 11:30 a.m., a special constable at the Ottawa courthouse saw the person, who was in a cell at the courthouse, in medical distress.

The individual was taken to hospital and pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy is to take place Tuesday afternoon.

Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

“The Ottawa Police Service is co-operating fully with the SIU as they conduct their independent investigation,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement on social media.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php