A Toronto police officer was shot and injured while responding to a robbery early Thursday morning. The suspect, a 27-year-old man from Peterborough, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and firearm offenses, as per a police news release.
The incident unfolded after officers received a call about an e-bike theft near Queen Street E. and Sherbourne Street around 3:21 a.m. Toronto police spokesperson Stephanie Miceli reported that officers pursued the suspect shortly after locating him.
During the arrest, the suspect allegedly shot one of the officers in the upper thigh. The injured officer was promptly provided with medical assistance, including the application of a tourniquet, before being transported to the hospital. Deputy Chief Lauran Pogue confirmed that the officer is in serious condition but not in a life-threatening state.
Following the shooting, the suspect was apprehended, and a firearm was recovered at the scene. Pogue mentioned that no shots were fired by the officers during the incident.
The accused had prior weapon-related charges and outstanding warrants in Peel Region and Waterloo. Peel police Const. Laurie McCann disclosed that the suspect had been prohibited from possessing weapons since 2024. Additionally, a warrant was issued for his arrest in July after he engaged in reckless driving and fled the scene of a crash.
Another individual involved in the incident remains at large, with no description released by the authorities.
Discussing the troubling incident, Deputy Chief Pogue emphasized the need for stronger deterrence against such violence. She highlighted the impact on the policing community and stressed the risks officers face daily.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw expressed concern over the suspect’s bail conditions and outstanding warrants. He called for enhanced accountability for repeat violent offenders to safeguard both the public and law enforcement.
Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, condemned the violence against officers, citing over 600 injuries sustained by Toronto police this year. He reiterated support for the injured officer and his family.
Premier Doug Ford criticized the release of repeat offenders on bail and proposed potential reforms, including lowering the age in the young offenders act and implementing mandatory sentencing for specific criminal acts like assaulting a police officer.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Fire Chief Jim Jessop extended well wishes for the injured officer’s recovery, acknowledging the challenges faced by frontline responders. City Coun. Brad Bradford echoed solidarity with the injured officer, emphasizing the need to prevent such incidents from becoming commonplace in Toronto.