SIU probes Toronto police firing of less-lethal firearm at 55-year-old man
The province’s police watchdog is investigating the discharge of a less-lethal firearm by a Toronto police officer during an interaction with a man in Etobicoke on Friday.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said Toronto police officers were called to the Royal York Road and The Queensway area shortly after 8 p.m. for reports of a man carrying a knife and causing a disturbance.
Police arrived, and the 55-year-old man fled east to Wesley Street but was shortly located.
The SIU said police attempted to communicate with the man. However, at some point, two officers discharged conducted energy weapons at the man.
The SIU said a third officer subsequently deployed his less-lethal firearm, resulting in the man being struck.
He was not seriously injured and was taken into custody, the SIU said. But the man became unconscious shortly following his arrest, the SIU said, and first aid was administered.
The agency noted the man was transported to the hospital, where he regained consciousness.
The SIU, which is typically called to investigate the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault, said the discharge of a firearm falls within its jurisdiction even in cases of no serious injury or death per the Special Investigations Unit Act.
A firearm is defined under the act as a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing bodily injury or death to a person.
The SIU has assigned four investigators to the case. It is asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 1-800-787-8529.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.