News Release

News Release

SIU Investigates Shooting in Toronto

Case Number: 09-TCI-085   

Mississauga (10 June, 2009) --- Four investigators and three forensic investigators from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are probing the circumstances surrounding the gunshot injury sustained by a 17 year old male at a Toronto shopping centre.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) contacted the SIU on April 16, 2009 3:28 p.m. TPS reported that at 12:59 p.m. one of their officers responded to a call at Yorkdale Mall to assist two members of the mall security. A male was subsequently located and arrested. During the arrest a firearm the male had in his possession discharged. The bullet struck one of the mall security personnel. The security member who was wearing body armour sustained no injuries.

The male was taken to 32 Division TPS for processing. Once at the police station it was discovered that the male had a gunshot wound to his leg. The male was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital for treatment.

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