News Release

News Release

SIU Investigating Discharge of Firearms by Officers in Toronto

Case Number: 23-TFI-222   

Other News Releases Related to Case 23-TFI-222

SIU Charges Toronto Police Officers in Relation to Discharge of Firearms

Mississauga, ON (11 June, 2023) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discharge of two police firearms at a vehicle today in Toronto.

Preliminary information suggests the following:
  • Around noon on June 11, 2023, Toronto Police Service officers were made aware of a vehicle that had been stolen in the area of Roxton Road and College Street.
  • A short time later, officers located the stolen vehicle in the area of College Street and Dufferin Street.
  • An interaction ensued with the vehicle occupants, and two officers discharged their firearms at the vehicle. The vehicle fled the scene.
  • In the area of Bloor Street West and Havelock Street, the vehicle struck a pole.
  • Two occupants from the vehicle – a 26-year-old man and a 45-year old man – were arrested. The 26-year-old man was transported to hospital for treatment of injuries.

At this time, it does not appear that either man was struck as a result of the police firearm discharges. However, section 16 of the Special Investigations Unit Act, 2019, provides that police firearm discharges fall within the Unit’s jurisdiction even where they do not result in injury.  

Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case. At this time, two subject officials and four witness officials have been designated.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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

Lisez ce communiqué en français.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES