York's top cop speaks out on increased violence against police
In the wake of a deadly shootout in Aurora, York Regional Police Chief says 116 officers have been assaulted in 2024
Article content
Following Wednesday night’s police-involved fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Aurora, York Regional Police Chief Jim Macsween says “increased violent crime” in the community and against his officers is “unacceptable.”
“Our residents are feeling increasingly vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime,” Macsween said in a statement released Friday.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
York's top cop speaks out on increased violence against police Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
“On a daily basis, I am speaking to people who are expressing to me that they are not feeling safe,” he said. “This is concerning to me and simply unacceptable.
“The environment for our officers has changed and has become increasingly dangerous.”
“In the past five years, there have been 952 incidents where officers were the victim of an assault,” said the chief. “This year alone, 116 officers have been attacked and assaulted. Thirteen of these incidents involved a weapon. I call on all stakeholders in the justice sector to do their part to ensure our communities and our officers are protected and remain safe.”
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has taken charge of the investigation after York officers responded to a break-and-enter at a home in Aurora around 7:45 p.m., on Wednesday.
When they arrived, gunfire was exchanged between the officers and a male subject and a 17-year-old boy died. One officer suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
tap here to see other videos from our team.
CTV Toronto showed a rifle lying on the driveway of the home where the reported break-in allegedly occurred.
“This was a tragic event and one more example of the challenges our officers face each and every day,” said Macsween.
“The October 30 shooting brings to the forefront the increasing levels of violence experienced by our frontline members while they work diligently to maintain order and public safety,” he said. “I encourage any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.