Ontario’s police watchdog says a teenage boy has died in hospital just over a day after he struck by gunfire involving Toronto police officers during a traffic stop.
News of the death came on Tuesday morning with the revelation the boy — who had previously simply been referred to as a male victim — was 16 years old.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which acts as the police watchdog investigating various incidents such as officer-involved shootings, said the traffic stop was near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West at around 11 p.m. on Sunday.
A Toronto police officer had stopped an Infiniti in relation to a Highway Traffic Act infraction — it was missing a front licence plate, the SIU said.
Kristy Denette, a spokesperson for the SIU, said on Monday that Toronto police had reported an exchange of gunfire around the time two officers fired their weapons.
A 16-year-old boy was struck by the gunfire. He was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition, the SIU said. There were no serious injuries to the Toronto police officers.
In an update on Tuesday, the SIU said the teen died from his injuries this morning. A post-mortem examination is being scheduled.
The SIU is canvassing witnesses in the area, and anyone with video footage. The agency said six people were in the vehicle that was stopped and there are also witness officers to be questioned.
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Global News obtained video from the incident showing an exchange of gunfire surrounding the red Infiniti.
A recording of police body-camera footage was also shared with Global News and several outlets; a moment captured in the recording shows an occupant in the back seat of the vehicle pulling out what appears to be a handgun. Multiple gunshots and screaming can be heard afterwards.
Police told Global News Wednesday a professional standards investigation is underway into the release of the recording.
Alongside the SIU, Toronto police are working on their own investigation.
“Toronto police is also conducting a parallel criminal investigation; they have an interest in this as well,” Denette said.
Toronto Police said they have arrested five people in relation to the traffic stop — a 20-year-old man, an 18-year-old woman, two 17-year-old girls and a 16-year-old girl.
All five of them were charged with possessing a loaded firearm, possessing a firearm with no license, and occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm. One of the youths was also charged with failing to comply with a release order.
Anyone with information, photos or video is asked to contact the SIU.
— With files from Global News’ Isaac Callan
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