Kenora OPP officer cleared by SIU after fatally shooting man in Anicinabe Park

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Ontario has concluded that there is “no basis” to charge police officers in the death of 57-year-old Bruce Wallace Frogg. Frogg was shot and killed by an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer in Kenora during an incident at Anicinabe Park on June 25, 2024.

According to the SIU report, video footage from the cellphone of witnesses and a police cruiser camera showed Frogg holding two knives and walking towards the officers. The OPP officer shot Frogg with a rifle from a distance of six to eight meters. After shooting Frogg, the officer sat in his police vehicle, where video footage captured him taking deep breaths and expressing uncertainty about his actions.

SIU director Joseph Martino stated that he was satisfied that the officer, referred to as Subject Officer (SO) #2, used a reasonable amount of force in defense of himself and others present. Martino emphasized that “nothing short of gunfire had the immediate stopping power required of the moment.”

The SIU investigated the conduct of both SO #2, who shot Frogg, and an officer who assumed command of the operation soon after police arrived. The commanding officer, referred to as SO #1, was also part of the investigation. Neither officer agreed to be interviewed by the SIU or released their notes, as stated in the report.

However, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler rejected the SIU’s conclusion, describing the investigation as “severely flawed.” Fiddler raised concerns about the lack of accountability provided to NAN and Frogg’s family. He emphasized that the report did not consider broader systemic issues or Frogg’s mental state at the time of the incident.

Frogg’s family had previously disclosed his struggles with addiction and trauma, including his status as a survivor of convicted sex offender Ralph Rowe. Additionally, Frogg had family members who attended residential school, adding to his complex background.

The SIU report detailed the events leading up to Frogg’s death, highlighting his agitated state and actions prior to the shooting. Frogg was seen waving meat cleavers (referred to as knives in the report) and challenging officers to shoot him. Despite attempts to calm him down, Frogg’s behavior escalated, leading to the fatal shooting.

SO #1, the commanding officer, devised a plan involving firefighters spraying water towards Frogg in an attempt to subdue him. However, this action prompted Frogg to move away from the building before being shot by SO #2. The report mentioned the consideration of using less-lethal weapons, such as Tasers or a police dog, but these options were ruled out for various reasons.

In conclusion, Martino stated that there was no basis for criminal charges against the officers involved in Frogg’s death. Despite NAN’s objections and concerns about the investigation’s thoroughness, the SIU determined that the officers’ actions were justified given the circumstances of the incident.