London police Constable Ryan Hendrick shared his harrowing experience during a break-and-enter response that turned into a life-threatening struggle with a Sarnia tennis player. Hendrick expressed his fear of imminent death when the situation escalated, culminating in a fatal shooting by his partner, Constable Joshua Ryan, resulting in the death of 29-year-old Justin Bourassa.
Testifying on the third day of the inquest in London, Ryan recounted how they encountered Bourassa jogging in the vicinity of St. George and Mill streets, matching the suspect description they had received. As they approached Bourassa, a scuffle ensued, leading to a chaotic sequence of events where Bourassa resisted arrest and attempted to flee, eventually leading to a physical confrontation on the ground.
Hendrick described the intense struggle, highlighting the moment he felt someone choking him from behind with extreme force, endangering his life. Despite his attempts to break free, Hendrick found himself in a perilous situation until Ryan intervened, ultimately saving his life with a single shot.
Following the incident, Hendrick and Ryan administered first aid to Bourassa before medical help arrived. During the inquest, Hendrick emphasized the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it took on him. When questioned about preventive measures, both officers refrained from offering specific recommendations.
The ongoing inquest, mandated after police shootings in Ontario, aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Bourassa’s death. Testimonies from witnesses, including Bourassa’s family and law enforcement officials, shed light on the tragic event. The jury is expected to deliver its findings soon, concluding a week of examination into this tragic incident involving the loss of a prominent figure in the Sarnia community.
The inquest continues to unravel the events leading to Bourassa’s death, with insights from various perspectives contributing to the comprehensive understanding of the case.