The province's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has launched an inquiry following a Toronto police officer's decision to fire their weapon at a man in North York on Monday afternoon. The incident, which unfolded in response to a stabbing call, has left four individuals requiring hospital treatment.
Details of the North York Incident
The SIU confirmed it invoked its mandate late Monday, December 22, 2025, after being notified of the shooting. Preliminary reports indicate Toronto police officers were dispatched to a location in North York regarding a stabbing in progress. During the response, an interaction occurred that led an officer to discharge their firearm, striking a male individual.
The circumstances that precipitated the gunfire remain under investigation by the SIU, which examines all serious incidents involving police in Ontario. The condition of the man who was shot has not been publicly disclosed by authorities.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
In total, four people were transported to hospital following the chaotic scene. It is unclear if all four were injured in the initial stabbing, during the police intervention, or a combination of both events. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
The SIU's investigation will now seek to piece together the sequence of events. This process typically involves:
- Identifying and interviewing witness officers and civilian witnesses.
- Collecting and analyzing physical evidence from the scene.
- Reviewing any available video footage, including body-worn cameras, dashcams, or surveillance video.
- Forensic examination of the scene and related evidence.
The SIU has not released the names of the officer involved or the man who was shot, in accordance with its standard practice during an active investigation.
Context and Community Impact
This incident marks another serious police encounter now under independent review in the Greater Toronto Area. The SIU's mandate is to maintain transparency and public confidence in policing by conducting arm's-length investigations whenever police actions result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault.
The shooting in North York has undoubtedly sent ripples through the local community, raising questions about the nature of the initial stabbing call and the police response. Residents are awaiting further details as the SIU works to establish the facts. The Toronto Police Service will typically conduct its own internal review parallel to the SIU's criminal investigation.
As the probe continues, the SIU is urging anyone with information, video, or evidence related to this incident to come forward and contact their lead investigators.
