Statement from Chief Danny Smyth Regarding the Eishia Hudson Investigation

Eishia Hudson’s death was tragic. Let’s not forget Eishia Hudson was a teenager. A lot of people cared about her; I want to acknowledge her family and friends. On that day, Eishia got caught up with a bunch of kids in a stolen vehicle, and things escalated. A lot of people were put in harm’s way, including the kids in the stolen vehicle, innocent bystanders that worked in the liquor store or happened to be in traffic, and the police officers who were trying to intervene. The circumstances led to a split-second decision to use lethal force to stop the scenario from escalating further. All of us would have liked the outcome to be different. I speak as a member of the community, and I speak as a member and the leader of the police service.

The IIU investigation focused on the conduct of the police officers involved. Justice officials have determined that they conducted themselves lawfully and appropriately under those escalating circumstances.

The Medical Examiner will call for an Inquest in the near future. The Inquest will have a broader look at the circumstances that lead to Eishia’s death and may make recommendations to prevent situations like this in the future. The WPS will fully cooperate and participate in the Inquest.