London police Const. Ryan Hendrick testified at an Ontario inquest on May 7, 2026, that he believed he was going to die the night he fatally shot Sarnia tennis pro Ryan Fischer. The incident occurred in 2023 during a break-and-enter response that escalated into a physical struggle.
Hendrick stated that Fischer placed him in a chokehold, leading him to fear for his life. The officer's testimony is part of a mandatory inquest into Fischer's death, which examines the circumstances surrounding the police shooting.
The inquest, which began earlier this week, is hearing from multiple witnesses, including other officers and forensic experts. The jury is tasked with making recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future, though it does not assign criminal or civil liability.
Fischer, a well-known tennis instructor in Sarnia, was shot by Hendrick after police responded to a reported break-in at a London residence. The case has drawn attention to police use of force and mental health issues.
