The driver of what was believed to be a stolen vehicle is dead after they were shot by a Toronto police officer in Mississauga, Ont. early Thursday morning, the province’s police watchdog says.
The shooting occurred on Delfi Road, in the area of Council Ring Road and The Collegeway, at around 12:30 a.m.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Monica Hudon, a spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), said Toronto police officers were pursuing a Mercedes that had been reported stolen the day before.
Hudon said five unmarked Toronto police vehicles were involved in the investigation.
She added that there was “an interaction” and three of the unmarked cruisers were involved in a collision with the Mercedes.
At one point, an officer discharged their firearm at the vehicle and the driver was struck, she said.
“The officer who discharged the firearm was standing outside on the roadway and shot into the Mercedes vehicle through the driver’s side,” she said.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is unclear exactly how many shots were fired at the vehicle.
Three other occupants of the Mercedes, who were uninjured, were taken into custody, Hudon said. Police have not said what charges they are facing.
One of the officers involved in the pursuit sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The age of the deceased has not yet been released.
“The family of the deceased is currently being notified and once that is done, I will be able to release the age to you,” Hudon said.
While there is no evidence that there was an exchange of gunfire, Hudon said two firearms were found near the Mercedes.
Four investigators, three forensic investigators, and one collision reconstructionist have been assigned to the case.
