News Release

SIU Called after Halton Police Officer Shoots Man in Downtown Toronto

Case Number: 16-OFI-242   

Toronto, ON (20 September, 2016) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit has been called to investigate a shooting in downtown Toronto involving plainclothes Halton Regional Police officers.  

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • Just after 3:30 p.m., a criminal defence lawyer was leaving his law office at 23 Bedford Road, which is north of Bloor Street and west of Avenue Road.
  • Moments later, in the driveway of the law office, the lawyer was shot by a man. 
  • Plainclothes Halton Regional Police officers were conducting surveillance in the area, and shortly after the shooting, one Halton Police officer shot at the man who shot the lawyer.
  • The man who was shot by Halton police is 51-years-old.  He was rushed to hospital, underwent surgery, and is listed in serious condition.
  • The 66-year-old criminal defence lawyer was rushed to another hospital and is recovering from gunshot wounds to his legs.   
    
The SIU has designated one subject officer and four witness officers in this investigation.

Eight investigators and three forensic investigators have been assigned to investigate this incident.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations

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