Inquest announced into death of Tony Divers, man shot and killed by Hamilton police

The province has announced an inquest into the death of Tony Divers, an unarmed man who was shot and killed by a Hamilton police officer.

The 36-year-olddied in hospital on Oct. 1, 2016 after being shot ona busy downtown street, right by Hamilton GO Centre shortly before midnight on Sept. 30.

• Police union head: Officer who shot Tony Divers 'acted exactly as he was trained to do'

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit ruled the officer who killed Diverswasjustified in believing his own life was at risk, fearing that Divers was armed and reaching for a weapon.

Divers was unarmed when he was shot.

Inits decision, the SIU said officers responding to a call that Divers had assaulted a women had been told he was armed, was high on drugs, had a violent history and was considered "anti-police."

The reportsayswhen theofficer confronted the Hamilton man, he startedwalking away from theofficer, ignoring his calls to stop and get on the ground.

It says hethen turned around with his hand in the waistband of his pants and took two steps toward him, taking something out from the front of pants and pointing it at the officer.

The officer fired two shots, one hitting Divers in the chest.

"I'm shocked but I'm not at all surprised," said Divers' sister Yvonne Alexanderafter the SIU reached itsconclusion.

"Because it seems to be the norm these days for officers to shoot and kill someone in mental crisis."

Jury will tryto prevent similar deaths

An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act. It was announced byDr. Karen Schiff, regional supervising coroner for the west region Friday afternoon.

"The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Divers' death," reads a release from the province. "The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths."