Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Police Officer Justified in Shooting Suspect Who Fired at Police Dog, SIU Finds

The actions of a Toronto police officer who returned fire after a homicide suspect shot at a police dog that was assisting in locating him in Etobicoke last summer have been deemed justified, according to the province’s police watchdog.

Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Director Joseph Martino released his report on the July 25 shooting, stating that the officer, referred to as the subject official (SO), acted in self-defense when he fired his weapon to repel the attack by the 44-year-old suspect, who is also referred to as the complainant.

In his report, Martino highlighted, “The Complainant had just fired a gun with the officers and police dog at close quarters. The SO could only have concluded that the Complainant was either firing at the officers and/or the dog and that defensive force was necessary to preserve themselves.”

Based on these findings, the director concluded that there were no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offense in the shooting.

The incident unfolded at an apartment building where officers had arrived to locate and apprehend the 44-year-old suspect, wanted in connection with a previous homicide in an Etobicoke apartment the day before.

Upon spotting the suspect exiting the building and heading towards the parking lot, police called for a “takedown,” as reported by the SIU.

As an officer positioned his van behind the suspect’s BMW and stepped out, he noticed the suspect hiding on the side of his vehicle. The suspect then pulled out a gun, turned towards the officer, and fired two rounds.

Fortunately, the officer swiftly sought cover and managed to avoid being hit by the gunfire.

The suspect then began to flee, jumping into nearby yards, initiating a pursuit. Additional resources, including a police service dog, were called in, and a perimeter was established.

Accompanied by two Emergency Task Force (ETF) officers, the police dog, named Bingo, and his handler commenced the search for the suspect.

The canine successfully tracked the suspect to a backyard on Kingsview Boulevard, where he entered a brush in the southeast corner.

Within moments, the SIU reported that gunfire erupted. The suspect, with his back against the rear fence, had fired his Glock 22 at the police dog.

In response, the ETF officer, positioned several meters away, discharged six rounds, striking the suspect in the right buttock.

Shortly after, the suspect dropped his weapon and was apprehended. Tragically, Bingo, the police dog, sustained fatal injuries in the incident.

In the body-worn footage collected as evidence by the SIU, the officer can be heard urgently calling for medical assistance, saying, “I need a medic here. My dog is down.” He then carried the injured canine towards the fence.

SIU Director Martino analyzed the situation and concluded that the officer’s decision to use his C8 rifle was reasonable given the circumstances.

“The officers were under lethal assault at the time, and it was necessary to neutralize the threat as soon as possible to prevent grievous bodily harm or death. The only weapon with the immediate stopping power required of the moment was a firearm,” Martino stated.

Addressing the rapid succession of shots discharged, Martino further wrote, “I am satisfied the officer would have reasonably apprehended a mortal threat throughout the gunfire. Indeed, it appears that some of the SO’s shots may have been discharged as the Complainant was still firing his weapon.”

In September, a procession and memorial service were held to honor Bingo, the police dog killed in the line of duty. Bingo had been partnered with Sgt. Brandon Smith for approximately six months after completing a rigorous training program.

During the emotional service, Sgt. Smith expressed the deep bond he had formed with Bingo, stating, “We developed a connection that went beyond having a pet.”

Overall, the SIU investigation has determined that the actions of the Toronto police officer were justified in responding to the deadly threat posed by the suspect who fired at both officers and the police dog..