'We want answers': Family of Port Dover man, 70, shot by Toronto police speaking out
The family of a Port Dover man who was shot and killed by Toronto police earlier this month spoke about the incident on Thursday.
Rodger Kotanko, 70, was shot by police on Nov. 3 when police were conducting a search warrant at his Port Dover home.
"Right now, we're just baffled," Kotanko's sister, Suzanne Kantor, said at a press conference on Thursday morning. "We want answers, we want to know why it happened."
At the press conference, Kotenko's family asked why Toronto police travelling 150 kilometres away from their headquarters and fired four shots at Kotanko.
"He told me that he'd probably die sitting at his bench," his brother, Jeffrey Kotanko, said. "But, I don't think he ever imagined or that he'd be gunned down for no reason while sitting at his bench."
Jeffrey said Rodger was a well-respected gunsmith and had a repair shop at his home.
"He had licences for everything," Jeffrey said.
More than 100 community members came to Thursday's press conference to support the family.
The family's lawyer, Michael Smitiuch, said they haven't seen the warrant police had to search Rodger's shop, and questioned why Toronto police responded in the first place.
"They came, they travelled 150 kilometres with their own ambulance," he said. "Why?"
The province's Special Investigations Unit has been called in to investigate Kotenko's death. However, the family said the SIU isn't communicating with them.
"In particular, the lead investigator, he has not even returned my email or call at all," Smitiuch said.
A release issued by the SIU on Thursday afternoon said the investigation is ongoing.
According to the release, SIU investigators have collected one police-issued firearm, which was sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for analysis.
The SIU has designated one subject official and seven witness officials. They've interviewed five witness officials and two civilians.
A post-mortem was performed on Nov. 4. The final report hasn't been released.
Officials with the SIU said Rodger's family "are engaged in the SIU’s Affected Persons Program, which includes support services."
Rodger's family said they want justice and won't let this go until their questions are answered.
Toronto police declined to comment, citing the SIU investigation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
MPs prepare for return to Parliament as Ottawa marks one-year anniversary of 'Freedom Convoy'
Members of Parliament are making their way back to Ottawa ahead of resuming sitting on Monday, as the city prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the arrival of 'Freedom Convoy' protesters.

WHO decision on COVID-19 emergency won't affect Canada's response: Tam
The World Health Organization will announce Monday whether it thinks COVID-19 still represents a global health emergency but Canada's top doctor says regardless of what the international body decides, Canada's response to the coronavirus will not change.
Video shows struggle for hammer during Pelosi attack
Video released publicly Friday shows the husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi fighting with his assailant for control of a hammer moments before he was struck during a brutal attack in the couple's San Francisco home last year.
What is going on with Bill C-11, the government's online streaming legislation?
The Liberals have spent years trying to pass online streaming legislation and now the current iteration, known as Bill C-11, is closer than ever to passing. With a potential parliamentary showdown ahead, here's what you need to know about how the contentious Broadcasting Act bill got to this stage.
Zellers rolling out food trucks for Canadians 'craving a taste of nostalgia'
Though you won't be able to sit on the old, cracked pleather benches and take in the thick smell of gravy and fries, while the gentle sound of clanging dishes provides the soundtrack for your lunch, Zellers plans to roll out food trucks for those 'craving a taste of nostalgia.'
'We must meet this moment': Trudeau says in speech to Liberal caucus
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on his Liberal caucus to meet the moment on Friday, as Canadians deal with the high cost of living, a struggling health-care system and the effects of climate change.
Pamela Anderson defends Tim Allen after flashing allegation
Pamela Anderson is addressing discussion about a story regarding her 'Home Improvement' co-star Tim Allen that is part of her new memoir, 'Love Pamela.'
What should Canada be doing about climate change? 25 recommendations
The national Net-Zero Advisory Body released 25 recommendations Friday for how Canada can adjust its climate plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 — a goal that the country is not on track to reach right now, according to the report.
Canadian government posts $3.6 billion deficit between April and November
The federal government posted a budgetary deficit of $3.6 billion in the first eight months of the fiscal year.