Toronto cop shot while conducting investigation, 'full recovery' expected

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A shootout between police and an alleged car thief in the heart of the city sent one Toronto Police officer into life-saving surgery and has one shooting suspect on the run.

Toronto Police were collectively holding their breath as one of their own was shot late Wednesday afternoon near Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave. and rushed to Sunnybrook hospital by emergency run.

The scary incident unfolded during an investigation into a stolen vehicle in a parking lot at 65 Lillian St., between Yonge St. and Mount Pleasant Blvd., at about 5:30 p.m.

Sources said the officer was “surprised” by a gun that was allegedly pulled by a suspect before being shot in the abdomen and hip.

It all emanated out of an investigation into a stolen car that was allegedly linked to several robberies. Sources said one of the suspects fled and there was a foot pursuit and a struggle when the suspect allegedly shot the officer, who shot back.

Toronto Police Association president Jon Reid said the officer is “expected to make a full recovery” after his surgery.

Toronto Police said the province’s Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate, which means Toronto Police are limited in what they are prepared to say.

The SIU is called in whenever police discharge a firearm or are involved in a death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.

What Toronto Police have said is an “officer discharged a firearm at the scene” and “officers are searching for one outstanding suspect.” Police also confirmed that two suspects were arrested and taken into custody, while the alleged shooter remained outstanding.

SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette told the Toronto Sun that “the SIU is investigating after a TPS officer discharged their firearm” but “early information indicates no one was struck.”

Meanwhile, there were reports of cars matching the description of the one at the scene being pulled over in the city’s north end, but it is unclear if it was related. There was a massive investigation underway in several locations Wednesday evening.

Neither police nor the SIU have commented on the two suspects arrested, but police sources told the Sun one is believed to be a 15-year-old youth. Police sources said witnesses described at least two shots — one bullet coming from the assailant and one from a police officer.

Sources also said that a 21-year-old, believed to be the shooter, fled the scene frantically in a black Honda Civic.

“We are looking for a … suspect that we believe to be the shooter,” Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw told reporters, adding this was the 637th officer injured in the line of duty so far this year.

Meanwhile, sources said the constable — from 53 Division’s major crime unit with about five years on the job — went into surgery immediately and came out of it in serious condition but conscious at about 6:45 p.m.

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Demkiw and Reid were at the hospital to offer support while the service and association were looking to contact the rest of the officer’s family — some of whom were not aware of the incident.

“Directors are on the scene to support the family and the officer involved,” Reid told the Sun.

Demkiw spoke with reporters at the hospital.

“He’s here in the hospital surrounded by colleagues and family, being supported during what is obviously a difficult and challenging time,” the police chief said. “I’m relieved to say that he’s doing well.”

Mayor Olivia Chow wrote on X: “I wish the officer a full and quick recovery … my thoughts go out to their family.”

The latest violence comes during a week of violent incidents across the GTA, including five people dead and several others injured.