Toronto police officer shot while investigating stopped vehicle

A Toronto police officer is in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after he was shot while investigating a stopped vehicle on Wednesday.

The shooting happened at about5:30 p.m. near Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue and the officer was rushed to hospital, Toronto police said.

The suspect believed to be the shooter was arrested on Wednesday evening, police said after 10 p.m. Two other suspects were arrested earlier.

TorontoPolice Chief Myron Demkiw said outside SunnybrookHealth Sciences Centre that the shooting is another example of the dangers that officers face in the city. He said members of the major crime unit at the police's 53 Division were investigating a robbery when they came upon a vehicle.

"Shortly after that encounter, one of our officers was shot. And at least one member of theservice discharged their firearm," he said.

"Very relieved to report that our officer is doing well. He was shot in the abdomen and is here in the hospital surrounded by colleagues and family, being supported during what is obviously adifficult and challenging time."

Demkiwsaid the gun violence in Toronto needs to stop.

Jon Reid, president of the Toronto Police Association, said the injured officer, 29, has served with the force for five and a half years.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigatingbecause an officer fired theirgun at the scene.Police have not said who discharged their firearm.

Kristy Denette, spokesperson for the SIU, said in an email that she has limited information.

"I can tell you the SIU investigation is focused on the officer's firearm discharge. No one was struck by the officer's gunfire," Denette said.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers in incidents that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

Demkiw said on Xhe went to the hospital to see the officer, and was joined byDeputy Chief Lauren Pogue and other police officers to support him and his family.

"This is the 637th officer injured in the line of duty so far this year and a sobering reminder of the risks our officers face every day as they serve and protect our great city," he said.

Nick Leung, a resident of the area, said he saw the aftermath of the shooting.

"I just saw a cop drive straight up from Redpath[Avenue] and jump out of his vehicle into the laneway and I saw him run straight in. I guess he couldn't catch the guy, so he ran back out, threw his hands upin frustration," Leung said.

Politicians at all levels were quick to react to the incident with posts on X.

Mayor Olivia Chow wished the officer a full and quick recovery.

"Frontline officers put themselves in harm's way everyday, and every officer deserves to go home safe," she said.

Marco Mendicino,MPfor Eglinton-Lawrence, said he was extremely concerned by the news.

"Praying for the officer and all first responders involved," he said.

Michael Kerzner, Ontario's solicitor general, also said his thoughts are also with the officer.

"Violence against police officers is never acceptable," Kerzner said.