Officer shot in Toronto was conducting robbery probe when man fired gun: SIU

Ontario’s police watchdog says an officer shot in Toronto’s busy midtown neighbourhood Wednesday was hit by gunfire after two men approached police conducting a robbery investigation in an underground parking garage.

The Special Investigations Unit says one of the men shot an officer and fled, leaving the officer with non-life-threatening injuries.

The SIU say a second officer then discharged his firearm at the man who fled, but the man was not hit.

The police watchdog says the alleged shooter was later arrested at a hospital in the city.

Police said late Wednesday that they had arrested three suspects in the case.

Toronto Police Association president Jon Reid says the 29-year-old officer who was shot remains in hospital in “good spirits” and is recovering from his injuries.

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Wednesday’s shooting came hours after the city’s police chief had noted that gun violence in the city had increased this year compared to last year, although police data show this year’s figures remain on par with pre-pandemic rates.

The data show there were 338 shootings this year, compared to 242 last year, and 35 gun-related deaths so far this year, compared to 24 last year.

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw says the force has increased its presence in neighbourhoods most affected by gun violence, and police have made 746 firearm-related arrests so far this year.

By Rianna Lim