Police seek witnesses to altercation that led to district fire chief’s death

Windsor police are looking for witnesses after a respected Lakeshore district fire chief died from injuries he suffered in a violent assault. Joe St. Louis, 51, a 25-year veteran of the Lakeshore fire service, died Thursday following an attack five days earlier.

“Joe was known for his calm demeanour and take-charge approach during emergency situations,” Lakeshore Fire Chief Don Williamson said in a brief email to the Star on Sunday.

He added that St. Louis was actively involved in the department’s training program, teaching and evaluating CPR, defibrillation and first aid skills.

“The firefighters at Station 3 will miss his friendship and the leadership he provided,” Williamson said in the email.

Police said an autopsy was conducted Sunday in London. They are still waiting for the results. Investigators said they believe several vehicles may have driven by the altercation as it was happening around 3:15 a.m. March 24 in the 1900 block of Daytona Avenue.

Officers responding to the report of an assault found a 51-year-old man outside the home with lifethreatening injuries. He was taken to hospital.

Police said the man had arrived at the house with a woman. A 43-year-old man came out of the house and confronted them. There was an argument. It turned physical. Police said the 43-year-old man attacked the other two people. The woman was not hurt.

Michael Hiller, 43, of Windsor, was charged with assault and aggravated assault following the attack. Police have not said if the charges will be upgraded as a result of St. Louis’s death.