Toronto officer stabbed in city’s west end, suspect has been shot: police

Ontario’s police watchdog says it has invoked its mandate and dispatched investigators after a Toronto police officer was stabbed and the suspect was shot in the city’s west end.

The Special Investigations Unit, which looks at cases where a police officer has been involved in a serious injury or death, says its investigators are en route to the scene and more information will be released later Friday.

Toronto police say in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the College Street and Lansdowne Avenue area.

They say both the officer and the suspect were rushed to hospital.

POLICE INVESTIGATION/OFFICER INJURED:
College/Lansdowne
1:33pm
– Officer has been stabbed
– Suspect has been shot
– Both have been rushed to hospital by emergency run
– Roads are blocked in the area#GO782847
^lb

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) April 12, 2024

The Toronto Police Association says in a social media post that the officer is conscious and breathing and is in stable condition.

The police union also says a person was shot during the “altercation,” but no information has been released about the extent of the suspect’s injuries.

Images from the scene show yellow tape and police vehicles surrounding a plaza that includes a Tim Hortons.

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue from the Toronto police service said around 1p.m. today officers attended the area looking for a person in crisis.

“Officers attended the scene and while apprehending the male, a police officer was stabbed in the leg, an officer then discharged their firearm” said Deputy Chief Pogue, “this is the fourth officer injured in the past two weeks which really underscores the inherent risk our officers confront daily while serving the community.”

Roads were blocked in the area earlier today and as the investigation continues.

Made with reports from The Canadian Press first published April 12, 2024.