Family of gunsmith killed in raid files $23M lawsuit against Toronto police board

The family of a renowned gunsmith who died after officers raided his workshop is suing the Toronto Police Service for $23 million, alleging the”unlawful” act led to Rodger Kotanko’s “wrongful death.”

The statement of claim filed Tuesday morning at Simcoe Superior Court names five “John Doe” officers, Insp. Norman Proctor, Chief James Ramer and the Toronto Police Services Board for their involvement in the Nov. 3 raid at Kotanko’s workshop in Norfolk County, Ont.

CBC Hamilton previously reported that a TPS officer shot the 70-year-old while executing a search warrant.

Kotanko is survived by his wife, Xueqin Mai (also known as Jessie), daughter Minying, and sons Colton and