The province’s police oversight agency is looking into an incident where a police officer was shot by another officer while responding to a mental health situation in Oshawa.
The shooting took place near Simcoe Street and Wentworth Street E, according to a social media update from Durham Regional Police Service. Authorities said they were called to the area due to reports of an armed individual.
In a statement on Sunday, Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit noted that officers arrived at a home on Cedar Street for a mental health call around 11 a. m.
Upon arrival, they encountered a 27-year-old man who was armed with a knife, the SIU reported. The man did not seem to have any firearms.
An interaction occurred and one officer fired their weapon several times, hitting both the man and another police officer, as per the SIU’s account.
The SIU indicated that both the suspect and the injured officer are currently in stable condition. Earlier reports from Durham police stated that the officer was taken to a hospital in Toronto in “critical, but stable condition,” while the suspect is receiving treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The 27-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon and possession of dangerous weapons, according to Durham Region police in a news release on Monday. He will appear at a bail hearing soon.
The Special Investigations Unit handles cases involving severe injuries or fatalities connected with police actions, as well as incidents where officers discharge firearms at individuals.
Durham police mentioned there was significant law enforcement presence around Simcoe Street south of Highway 401 in posts on X shortly after 11 a. m. on Sunday.
Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw shared his thoughts for the injured officer via social media on Sunday.
“Officers face dangerous situations every day while serving their communities,” he said. “At these moments we are always united as a policing family in support of the injured officer and all those impacted.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also took to social media on Sunday, stating he is “praying” for the officer’s complete recovery.
“We all owe an incredible debt to the brave police officers across Ontario who put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” he said.
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