SIU called in as one suspect dies near Latchford, Ont., a second arrested

Northern mayor on fatal Highway 11 shooting Coleman Township Mayor Dan Cleroux says better communication needed after fatal Hwy. 11 shooting that left road closed for almost 24 hours.

One suspect has died and a second is in custody following an incident north of Latchford, Ont., Thursday evening.

The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate because someone was killed or injured during an interaction with police.

Events began Thursday at 5 p.m. when Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle in the area of Government Road West and Woods Street in Kirkland Lake.

“The vehicle failed to stop, and officers from the Kirkland Lake OPP and the Temiskaming OPP engaged in a suspect apprehension pursuit,” police said in a news release Friday.

SIU confirmed two men fled a traffic stop and there was an exchange of gunfire in area of Highway 11 and Portage Bay Road.

“As a result of the incident, a shelter-in-place was issued in the Latchford and surrounding area and has since been lifted," said police.

"At this time, there are no ongoing concerns for public safety. One person is deceased, and one person has been taken into custody.”

Residents should expect increased police presence in the area for the rest of the day.

Highway 11 was closed from Portage Bay Road to Highway 11B for investigation.

“Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes or avoid the area if possible,” police said.

Police haven’t said how the suspect died, but the SIU is expected to provide an update later Friday.

The SIU is asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact investigators at 1-800-787-8529 or submit evidence and details online.

– With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalists Dan Bertrand and Eric Taschner