Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate after a Durham police officer and a man were both shot during a “mental health call” in Oshawa’s south end on Sunday.
In a news release, the civilian agency says DRPS attended a residence on Cedar Street at about 11 a.m.
“Soon after arriving, officers encountered a 27-year-old man who was armed with a knife,” the SIU said in a release.
“There was an interaction, and one officer discharged their firearm multiple times. The man was struck as was a police officer.”
The police watchdog confirmed that both the officer and the man were transported to the hospital treatment and are now both in stable condition.
At this time, officials say they do not believe the man had a firearm.
Earlier today, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) say they attended the area for an “armed person call.”
Police have not said what kind of weapon the suspect was allegedly armed with.
They say the injured officer was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre in “critical but stable condition.”
Meanwhile, the man was taken to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries.
It was initially unclear what time the shooting happened, but at 11 a.m. DRPS advised of a “significant police presence” near Simcoe, south of Highway 401.
Significant police presence in the area of Simcoe St South of Highway 401. Simcoe St S is currently closed between Bloor Street and Eerie Street.
— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) January 18, 2026
Resident heard ‘three pops’
A man walking his dog in the area told CTV News Toronto that while he didn’t see what happened, he heard three “pops.”
“A cop was standing with his hands on his head like, ‘What did I do?.’ I even got it on film. He shot him right down here,” said the man, pointing north on Simcoe.
Several blocks near the scene of the incident remain cordoned off as the investigation continues.
Reaction pouring in
Oshawa MP Rhonda Kirkland said her “heart is with the Durham Regional Police officer who was critically injured today while protecting our community in Oshawa.“
“I am holding their family, loved ones, and fellow DRPS officers close in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult moment. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe,” she wrote in a post on social media.
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO), also offered its support for the injured officer in a post on X.
“We are praying for the DRPS officer who was shot today responding to a very serious call in the Oshawa community,” PAO wrote.
“This is yet another reminder of the risks that our members face while protecting the communities they serve. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at the Durham Regional Police Association (DRPA) during this difficult time.”
The Toronto Police Association (TPA) is also said its thoughts are with the Durham Regional Police Service officer who was critically injured in the line of duty while responding to a call in Oshawa.
“The TPA has spoken directly with Chief Moreira and members of the DRPA Executive as we continue to monitor this event. We have and will continue to extend our full support to all those impacted by this incident, including the injured officer, their family, and colleagues at Durham Regional Police Service and DRPA,” the union wrote in a post on X.
Investigation underway
Officers from the SIU, arrived at the scene of the incident, near Simcoe Street South and Wentworth Street East, this afternoon to begin their investigation into the circumstances of this “police-involved” shooting.
The SIU has assigned five investigators and two forensic investigators to this case.
Anyone who may have additional information about this investigation, including video or photos, is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.
With files from CP24’s Beatrice Vaisman and CTV News Toronto’s Mike Walker
