York Regional Police say a man was shot during an exchange of gunfire with officers in Vaughan on Monday, prompting the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to investigate the incident.
Police said the shooting happened at 12:30 a.m. on Highway 7 just east of Jane Street.
The SIU, Ontario’s police watchdog, said a 23-year-old man was struck during an exchange of gunfire with five York Regional Police officers.
Const. Andy Pattenden with York Regional Police told Global News that prior to that, officers were trying to stop a vehicle for an offence but the vehicle did not stop.
The officer then radioed for assistance, the SIU said.
Pattenden said officers did not pursue the vehicle but did find the vehicle and the driver a short time later near Highway 7 and Creditstone Road.
The SIU said the man was seen exiting the vehicle and walked around a condo when officers followed him.
After an interaction, shots were then fired, and the man fled, the SIU said. Officers then pursued the man on foot when a second round of gunfire was exchanged, the SIU said.
The man was struck multiple times and taken to hospital where he is now in non-life threatening, stable condition, SIU investigators said.
The SIU is an independent agency that investigates the conduct of officers responding to calls that have resulted in death, serious injury or alleged sexual assault.
The westbound lanes of Highway 7 between Creditstone and Maplecrete roads, just east of Jane Street, are closed for the investigation.
Pattenden said the closure is expected to last most of the day as there is a large area for investigators to conduct their investigation.
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