Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has launched an investigation following Thursday morning’s fatal police-involved shooting at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
According to preliminary details shared by the SIU, the incident happened shortly before 7 a.m. at Terminal 1 departures. Peel Regional Police were responding to reports of a man in distress inside an SUV.
Three officers reportedly attempted to mediate the situation for around 10 minutes, before the man allegedly produced a firearm. Two officers then discharged their firearms.
According to reports, despite life-saving efforts by the police officers and paramedics at the scene, the 30-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
No officers were injured during the encounter, and there is currently no known threat to public safety.
Speaking to CBC News this afternoon, Peel police chief Nishan Duraiappah said three police officers were called to a dispute involving two or three people. The group knew each other and was there “for the purposes of travel.”
Flights at Toronto Pearson were unaffected, but Highway 409 remains closed while an investigation is underway.
In a post on X this morning, Toronto Pearson said, “Lights at Toronto Pearson continue to operate normally at this time. Please use the roadway to Terminal 1 Arrivals as the roadway to Terminal 1 Departures remains closed for a Peel Police investigation.
They added, “The parking garage in Terminal 1 remains open. Police say this is an isolated incident, and there are no known threats to public safety.”
“Passengers can also park at Terminal 3 and the Viscount Station Kiss and Fly lot and take the train to Terminal 1.”
The Ontario Provincial Police are advising people to avoid the area, according to the Toronto Star.
Speaking to CBC, SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said the deceased man, according to early information, didn’t discharge his weapon.
She said the SIU have investigators on the scene collecting evidence. It is too early to tell the exact circumstances that took place before the shooting.
However, Denette said the man’s behaviour “could be considered erratic” and said he was in “mental distress.”
Responding to the news on Thursday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “What’s the world coming to? You go to the airport and there’s shootings happening.”
The SIU has assigned six investigators and three forensic investigators to the case.
Officials are now asking anyone with information, including photos or video footage, to come forward. Tips can be shared with the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online via the SIU’s website.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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