An off-duty officer was shot in the leg Saturday night after he recognized a suspect wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for attempted murder.
That suspect is now facing an additional charge of attempted murder, as well as numerous weapons charges.
The off-duty officer was in the area of Bathurst and King streets just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday when he saw the wanted man and called for on-duty officers to respond, police said.
Officers arrived and the suspect – wanted in connection with a shooting on Dec. 3, 2022, in the Church Street and Front Street East area – fled on foot, police say.
“During this time, the suspect shot the off-duty officer in the leg,” police said.
The suspect, who was 28 at the time of the incident that led to the Canada-wide warrant, was arrested and a firearm was seized.
The Toronto Police Association says the off-duty officer is a 30-year-old with six years’ experience. They say he has been treated and released from hospital.
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“Despite this event, our member is in good spirits and is well on his way to recovery,” the police union wrote in a post to social media platform X.
“We are thankful he’s going to be OK and we are proud of his efforts.”
In a post on social media, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the “terrible shooting” reinforced “the risks our brave women and men in uniform face every day” when they work.
“I’m relieved to hear the officer is alive and receiving treatment and I’m confident those responsible for this terrible act will be held accountable,” the premier wrote.
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