Man reportedly wielding hatchet in west-end Toronto shot by officer, watchdog investigating

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a 30-year-old man reportedly wielding a hachet at a west-end Toronto plaza was shot by an officer.

Emergency crews were called to a plaza at the corner of Twenty Fourth Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West, near Humber College’s Lakeshore campus, at around 4:15 p.m. on Thursday.

A Toronto police spokesperson said in a brief update Thursday evening there were multiple reports of a man with a hatchet and screaming.

“Police attended (and) an officer discharged their firearm. A suspect was injured and transported to hospital,” Insp. Katherine Stephenson told reporters.

A Toronto Paramedics spokesperson told Global News the man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Surveillance video shared with Global News across the street from the place appeared to show the officer walking in from the right of the frame. The officer could be seen taking a few steps forward before backing up quickly.

1:58 Video appears to show Toronto police officer shooting man reportedly carrying hatchet

The man can be seen coming into the frame on the right and as he went toward the officer, it appeared the officer fired their gun and the man falls to the ground.

A witness, who asked not to be identified, told Global News he was approached by a man with a hatchet. He said the man asked who he was and after saying he didn’t know him, the witness said the man went at him quickly before he (the witness) ran down the street to get into his car.

1:34 SIU investigate police-involved shooting in Toronto’s west end

“I was shocked at first, but I was honestly hoping that the guy was OK because the guy was clearly not in the right state of mind and I don’t think he knew what he was doing,” the witness said, noting the man was carrying a yellow hatchet.

Stephenson said she was unable to provide information since the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has begun an investigation.

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 agency is required to complete its investigation within 120 days or provide a statement as to why further time is needed.