An off-duty Toronto police officer was shot late Saturday evening while arresting a man downtown wanted on a Canada-wide warrant, police say.
Police said the shooting happened around 11:40 p.m. near Bathurst Street and King Street W. as late-night festivities were taking place at local bars and clubs. Large crowds were gathered in the area at the time of the incident.
The officer recognized the suspect, Javell Jackson, 30, while outside, Det.-Sgt. Brandon Price said in a news conference Sunday.
Jackson was wanted on attempted murder charges connected to a shooting on Dec. 3, 2023 near Church Street and Front St. W, police said. He also faced several firearm-related charges.
The officer called for other police to attend the scene. He then joined uniformed officers in a short foot chase, during which the suspect shot him in the upper leg, Price said.
He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The man was arrested and now faces another count of attempted murder, as well as additional firearm-related charges. He was scheduled to appear in court Sunday morning, police said.
“The incident demonstrated that our officers, even when off duty, are committed to keeping our city safe, sometimes at great risk to themselves,” Price said.
Officer ‘in good spirits’: police association
The officer, 30, has been with the service for six years, the Toronto Police Association said.
He has been released from hospital and “is in good spirits and is well on his way to recovery,” the association said.�
Mayor Olivia Chow also posted about the shooting on X, wishing the officer a quick recovery from their injuries.
“Violence is never acceptable,” she wrote.
Last night, a <a href=”https://twitter.com/TorontoPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@TorontoPolice</a> officer was shot while performing their duties. I wish the officer a quick recovery from their injuries and offer my full support. Violence is never acceptable. <a href=”https://t.co/wBJLDPTl7L”>https://t.co/wBJLDPTl7L</a>
—@MayorOliviaChow