Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has formally laid charges against an Ottawa Police officer in relation to the death of Abdirahman Abdi.
36-year-old Constable Daniel Montsion is facing one count of manslaughter, one count of aggravated assault, and one count of assault with a weapon.
The 37-year-old Abdi died last July after officers were called to a coffee shop in Hintonburg.
Officers were called to the area of Wellington Street West and Fairmont Avenue on the morning of July 24, 2016.
The SIU says in its statement, "There was an interaction between officers and Mr. Abdi on Hilda Street, and he went into medical distress. Mr. Abdi was transported to Ottawa Civic Hospital where he died the next day."
Montsion is scheduled to appear in court March 29. He has been suspended with pay, as per the Police Services Act.
Abdi's death sparked protests demanding "Justice for Abdirahman," which became the name of a group calling for body cameras on Ottawa Police officers and training when it comes to interactions with the mentally ill, among other recommendations.
The SIU is called in to investigate any time a police officer in Ontario is involved in an incident where someone is seriously injured or killed, or alleges sexual assault.
Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau has issued a statement, saying while he can't comment on details, he knows "the death of Mr. Abdi has been very difficult on his family and our entire community. Mr. Abdi’s death has also been difficult for the membership of our police service."
Bordeleau is calling for patience and respect for the judicial process.