Toronto police officer shot during e-bike theft investigation, suspect arrested

A Toronto police officer has been seriously injured after being shot while investigating the reported theft of an e-bike early Thursday, police say.

Officers were called to Toronto’s St. James Town neighbourhood following reports of a robbery involving an e-bike, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told reporters.

Police located a suspect and a brief foot chase followed. During the arrest, the suspect allegedly shot an officer in the upper thigh but officers did not return fire.

The officer was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.

A 27-year-old man was arrested nearby and police said he was under court-imposed conditions and wanted for firearm-related offences in other Greater Toronto Area jurisdictions.

Pogue described the shooting as “an extraordinary and deeply concerning level of violence”.

The Police Association of Ontario said it was “saddened” by the shooting but “relieved” the officer’s injuries were not life-threatening.

“Violence against police is unacceptable,” the association said in a statement.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also wished the officer a speedy recovery and thanked police for their response.

“The suspect has been arrested and the gun was taken off the streets,” Chow said, adding that the incident highlighted the risks faced by frontline officers.