Verdict of Coroner's Jury

Office of the Chief Coroner

The Coroners Act - Province of Ontario

Surname: Thompson
Given Name(s): Donald Percival
Age: 50

Held at: Toronto, ON
From: April 20
To: April 27, 2015
By: Dr. J. Carlisle, Coroner for Ontario
having been duly sworn/affirmed, have inquired into and determined the following:

Name of deceased: Donald Percival Thompson
Date and time of death: April 26, 2013 at 1:12 p.m.
Place of death: Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds to the chest
By what means: Homicide

(Original signed by: Foreperson)

The verdict was received on the 27th of April, 2015
Coroner's name: Dr. J. Carlisle
(Original signed by coroner)

We, the jury, wish to make the following recommendations:

Inquest into the death of:

Donald Percival Thompson

Jury Recommendations

Recommendations to Toronto Police Service / Chief of Police and Department of Ambulance Services (DAS/EMS):

1. Whenever a sergeant is dispatched to a scene, to consider directing dispatchers and the sergeant to communicate, whenever circumstances permit, if and when the sergeant is en route, along with an estimated time of arrival. If such a practice already exists, to consider whether it is appropriate to issue a reminder to all communications staff and sergeants regarding this suggested best practice.
2. The Toronto Police Service to continue to explore new technologies in the area of less lethal use of force options.
3. Concern expressed over incomplete communication by police and dispatch regarding need for ambulance, ie, "Shots Fired" warns EMS of potential urgency of call.

To the Ontario Police College:

4. To continue to update the Ontario Use of Force Model based on current incidents or new research in the field of policing.