The police watchdog in the province is conducting an investigation following a police officer being shot by a fellow officer in Oshawa during a mental health incident. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Simcoe Street and Wentworth Street E, as per the Durham Regional Police Service. Law enforcement responded to a call reporting an individual with a weapon at the scene.
According to a statement released on Sunday, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit stated that officers were dispatched to a residence on Cedar Street for a mental health check at around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered a 27-year-old man armed with a knife but no visible firearm.
A confrontation unfolded, resulting in one officer firing multiple shots, injuring the man and another police officer, as confirmed by the SIU. Both individuals are reported to be in stable condition. Initially, the officer was airlifted to a Toronto hospital in critical condition, which later stabilized, while the suspect sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The 27-year-old suspect has been charged by the Durham Region police with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon and possession of dangerous weapons. The individual is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing.
The mandate of the Special Investigations Unit includes probing incidents of severe injury, death, sexual assault allegations involving police, and instances where law enforcement officers use firearms against individuals.
Durham police noted a heightened police presence in the vicinity of Simcoe Street, located south of Highway 401, following the incident on Sunday morning. Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw expressed support for the injured officer in a social media post, highlighting the risks officers face in the line of duty.
Similarly, Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared a message on social media extending prayers for the officer’s recovery, acknowledging the sacrifices made by police officers who safeguard communities.
