A Durham Regional Police officer is in stable condition after being shot by a fellow officer during an incident in Oshawa on Sunday morning, according to police. The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken over the investigation into the shooting, which also left a suspect injured.
SIU Investigates Oshawa Shooting Incident
The incident occurred near the intersection of Simcoe Street South and Wentworth Street East in Oshawa. Police were responding to a situation involving a suspect when the shooting took place. The SIU was notified and invoked its mandate on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The agency is called in automatically whenever police actions result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault.
Details released so far confirm that two individuals were shot: a male suspect and a Durham police officer. The officer was reportedly shot by another officer during the encounter. Authorities have stated the injured officer is now in stable condition in hospital. The condition of the suspect has not been publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Response
The SIU has assigned several investigators and forensic specialists to the case. A critical part of their investigation will involve determining the exact sequence of events that led to the officer being shot by his colleague. This will include collecting physical evidence, examining police equipment, and interviewing witnesses.
Durham Regional Police have deferred all questions about the incident to the SIU, which is standard procedure when the independent watchdog is involved. The police service will conduct its own internal review once the SIU's criminal investigation is complete, focusing on policy, procedure, and training.
Community and Legal Context
Officer-involved shootings are relatively rare in the Durham Region, making this a significant event for the police service and the community of Oshawa. The SIU's investigation aims to ensure transparency and public accountability. Their findings will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted against the officer who discharged their firearm.
The incident underscores the high-risk and split-second nature of police work, where officers must often make critical decisions under extreme pressure. The outcome of the SIU probe will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies and the public alike.
