Teenager dies after ‘exchange of gunfire’ with Toronto police: SIU
A tragic incident unfolded in North York on Sunday night, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy from Toronto. The province’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), reported that the young boy was shot by police officers during a traffic stop. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the area of Sheppard Avenue W. and Bathurst Street.
According to the SIU, the police officers initiated a stop on an Infiniti car for a Highway Traffic Act infraction. A confrontation ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the officers and the occupants of the vehicle. Tragically, the young boy was struck by the gunfire and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Tuesday morning.
The SIU has launched an investigation into the shooting, focusing on two Toronto police officers as the subject of their inquiry. Additionally, two police witnesses are being questioned as part of the investigation. Surveillance footage obtained by CBC Toronto captured the intense moment when the gunfire erupted during the traffic stop. The video shows the suspect vehicle being boxed in between two police SUVs, with officers engaging with the occupants of the car.
In the footage, one officer can be seen firing into the vehicle multiple times, while another officer aims their gun towards the car. The video also shows bystanders at the scene reacting to the gunfire, with some seeking cover behind police vehicles and on the sidewalk. The SIU revealed that there were six individuals in the car at the time of the incident, along with other witnesses in the vicinity.
The SIU, as an independent agency, is tasked with investigating incidents involving police officers that result in death, serious injury, firearm discharge, or allegations of sexual assault. The agency is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in such cases across Ontario.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The investigation by the SIU will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and provide answers to the community and the family of the young boy who lost his life.
