Police launch criminal investigation into paramedic treatment of Yosif Al-Hasnawi

Hamilton police say a criminal investigation has been launched into the on-scene medical care first responders providedYosifAl-Hasnawi,a Good Samaritan who was fatally shot after intervening in a dispute.

Al-Hasnawi, 19,was shot Dec. 2 after comingto the aid of an older man being verbally accosted by two men on Main Street East in Hamilton's lower city. It happened just outside the mosque whereAl-Hasnawihad attended an evening religious celebration.

Witnesses at the scene were critical of Hamiltonparamedics, saying they toldAl-Hasnawithat he was acting, and that he'd been shot by a pellet gun.

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• Police release new photo of 'older' man accosted

Police later confirmed38 minutes passed from the time paramedics arrived until the ambulance tookAl-Hasnawito hospital, where he died shortly after.

Hamilton police issued a media release Wednesday saying Niagara Regional Police willhandle the case "to ensure a fair and impartial investigation is completed."

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The investigation was handed over after "a review of the preliminary evidence," said Const. Jerome Stewart.Police aren't sure how long it will take.

The city and the Ontario Health Ministry are also investigating.

In a statement earlier this month, deputy chief Russell Crocker said the paramedic service is "committed to a high standard of care for all of its residents."

Al-Hasnawi was buriedthis week in his native Iraq. Two Hamilton menare charged in connection withhisdeath.

Dale Burningsky King, 19, is charged with second-degree murder. James Matheson, 20, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.