A York Regional Police officer sustained injuries after an interaction with a now-deceased man after a break-in at a home on Downey Circle.
The Office of the Chief Coroner was notified to identify the deceased man while the officer was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
“When officers arrived on scene, they immediately had an interaction with a male suspect,” said Const. James Dickson. “As a result of this interaction, officers discharged their firearms, and the male is now deceased.”
Police have notified the homeowners of the break-in and are looking for video evidence from nearby neighbours.
Residents, meanwhile, will have to find accommodations elsewhere tonight, as police have blocked off several homes near the incident for an investigation. They are asked to find friends to stay with until they can return to their residence.
“We do appreciate the public’s cooperation with this and the understanding that we have a job to do, the Special Investigations Unit has a job to do, and we’ll try to get people back into their residences as soon as possible,” said Dickson.
Police said the Special Investigations Unit has been notified.
The independent agency handles cases where there is a serious injury, death, allegation of sexual assault or discharge of a firearm by an officer at a person.
Multiple residents in the neighbourhood reported hearing gunshots.
Tom Alberico, who has lived on Trent Street for 26 years, said he was shocked by the number of police vehicles in the area. He said he heard sirens and then what sounded like a bang.
“It’s a little scary,” said Alberico. “We have never had this on our street before. It’s a little unnerving.”
Officers did not let him return to his home for some time due to the street closure, he added. He had called his wife, who is home, and she said she is safe and the doors are locked.
He said the neighbourhood has always been quiet. He asked police questions, but they wouldn’t answer him.
He saw York Region paramedics but could not see what they were doing. He did, however, see police take away what appeared to be a large weapon.
There were about 20 cruisers and four paramedic vehicles on the scene.
You can contact York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7100, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
