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Watchdog investigating after man reportedly threatening to harm himself was injured by Toronto officers

A photo of police on scene near Sherbourne and Richmond streets on Feb. 3, 2021. Doug Gamey / Global News

Ontario’s police watchdog has launched an investigation after officials say a man threatening to harm himself with a knife was seriously injured as Toronto officers tried to subdue him.

Emergency crews were called to the area of Sherbourne Street and Richmond Street East at around 3 a.m. for reports of a property being damaged.

The Special Investigations Unit said in a statement the officers found the man who said he was going to hurt himself. After a period of time, the SIU said officers tried to Taser the man twice and it “proved to be ineffective.”

The statement said an officer discharged a beanbag shotgun at the man and he was struck.

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Toronto paramedics said a patient was transported to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police would not elaborate on what happened during the confrontation, citing the SIU investigation.

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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.

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