The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has charged a Toronto police officer with careless use of a firearm following an incident that occurred in the city’s downtown core.
According to the SIU, the incident took place on December 13, 2020, when the officer was responding to a call for a man in distress. The officer allegedly discharged their firearm while attempting to apprehend the man, who was later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The SIU, which is responsible for investigating incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault, conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. As a result, the officer has been charged with one count of careless use of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
The officer is scheduled to appear in court on March 9, 2021. The SIU has stated that they will not be releasing any further details about the incident at this time, as the matter is now before the courts.
This is not the first time a Toronto police officer has faced charges from the SIU. In 2020, a Toronto police officer was charged with second-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Regis Korchinski-Paquet. The officer was later acquitted of all charges.
The SIU’s mandate is to ensure transparency and accountability in cases involving police officers. They are an independent civilian agency that investigates incidents involving police to determine if there are grounds for criminal charges.
The Toronto Police Service has stated that they are fully cooperating with the SIU’s investigation and will not be commenting further on the matter.
This latest incident raises questions about the use of force by police officers and the need for proper training and protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The SIU’s investigation and subsequent charges against the officer will hopefully provide some answers and bring about necessary changes to ensure the safety of both officers and the public.
