News Release

SIU Investigating Firearm Injuries in Toronto

Case Number: 10-OFI-266   

Mississauga (10 December, 2010) --- Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is probing the circumstances surrounding the firearm injuries sustained by two men in Toronto’s west end early this morning. The York Regional Police (YRP) contacted the SIU today at 4:07 a.m. and reported the following:
  • Shortly after 3:00 a.m. officers of the YRP attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Weston Road and Victoria Avenue, Toronto.
  • During this time there were a number of shots fired by police.
  • The vehicle did not stop and continued down Weston Road.
  • At Weston Road and Ray Avenue the vehicle was boxed in and stopped.
  • The two male occupants of the vehicle were found to be injured.
  • The driver of the vehicle was found to have sustained a gunshot wound.  He was taken to Humber River Regional Hospital for treatment.  He is deemed to be in serious condition.
  • The passenger in the vehicle was found to have sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound.  He was taken to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
  • Two officers have been identified as subject officers.
The SIU has assigned ten field investigators and four forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of this incident.
Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to contact the Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529.

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