Key Takeaways
- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating a fatal shooting of a man by Toronto police at Danforth GO Station.
- The man was reportedly armed with a gun and was shot multiple times by an officer in the stairwell of the station.
- The SIU is collecting evidence, reviewing video, and speaking with officers to determine the sequence of events.
- A post-mortem is scheduled for Monday, and the Toronto Police Association is supporting the officers involved.
- The incident has caused disruptions to train services, but all Lakeshore East trains will now stop at the station.
Introduction to the Incident
The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has launched an investigation into a fatal shooting of a man by Toronto police at Danforth GO Station. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, when Toronto police were called to the station shortly after 1:30 a.m. for reports of a person armed with a gun. Upon arrival, officers located a man in the stairwell of the station, and an interaction ensued, during which one officer fired their weapon multiple times.
The Investigation
According to the SIU, investigators are working to understand the sequence of events surrounding the incident. SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon stated that it is still very early in the investigation, and that investigators are collecting evidence, reviewing video, and speaking with officers to determine exactly what transpired. The SIU has recovered both the police firearm and another firearm believed to have belonged to the man, and will also review CCTV footage and internal police video. A team of three SIU investigators and two forensic specialists have been assigned to the case, and a post-mortem is scheduled for Monday in Toronto.
Response from the Toronto Police Association
The Toronto Police Association has released a statement in response to the incident, expressing support for the officers involved. The association stated that no police officer starts their shift wanting or intending to use force, but that they respond to dangerous and unpredictable situations and make split-second decisions to keep everyone safe. The association’s leadership attended the scene overnight to support the officers involved, and the union is likely to play a key role in the investigation and any subsequent proceedings.
Impact on Train Services
The incident has caused disruptions to train services, but Metrolinx has announced that all Lakeshore East trains will now stop at the station. The Toronto Police have completed their investigation at Danforth GO, and the SIU is still investigating the incident. Any witnesses with information are asked to contact the authorities, and the SIU is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The investigation into the fatal shooting of a man by Toronto police at Danforth GO Station is ongoing, and the SIU is working to determine the sequence of events surrounding the incident. The Toronto Police Association is supporting the officers involved, and the incident has caused disruptions to train services. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light, and the SIU will work to piece together the events of that night. The public is being asked to come forward with any information they may have, and the SIU is urging anyone with information to contact them. The incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by police officers and the importance of supporting those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
