The province's police watchdog has launched a thorough investigation after a Toronto police officer discharged a firearm during a dramatic carjacking incident in the city's downtown core.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was called to the scene following the Wednesday evening confrontation, where authorities responded to reports of an attempted vehicle theft. According to preliminary information, the situation escalated when one officer fired their service weapon at the suspect.
Downtown Confrontation Unfolds
The incident occurred near the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas streets, a central hub of Toronto's urban landscape. Witnesses reported seeing multiple police vehicles converging on the area as the situation developed.
Remarkably, despite the firearm discharge, preliminary reports indicate the suspect did not sustain serious injuries. The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital for assessment as a precautionary measure.
SIU Assumes Control of Investigation
Under Ontario's police oversight legislation, the SIU automatically assumes jurisdiction whenever police actions result in serious injury, death, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. The watchdog has assigned a team of investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the officer's decision to use lethal force.
"The SIU has invoked its mandate and is now in charge of determining whether the officer's actions were justified under the circumstances," explained a police spokesperson during a brief media update.
Ongoing Police Operations
While the SIU focuses on the firearm discharge, Toronto police continue their investigation into the original carjacking attempt. Authorities are working to determine whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger criminal operation.
The area surrounding the incident remained cordoned off for several hours as forensic teams collected evidence and investigators interviewed potential witnesses. Police have appealed to anyone with additional information to come forward.
This incident marks the latest in a series of SIU investigations involving Toronto police, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of use-of-force protocols within Canada's largest municipal police service.
