Toronto Police Officer Justified in Shooting Death of Homicide Suspect Who Shot Police Dog

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.

In a report issued on Wednesday, Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Director Joseph Martino concluded that the officer, referred to as the subject official (SO), fired his weapon in self-defense to repel the attack by the suspect, a 44-year-old man known as the complainant.

Martino stated in the report that the complainant had fired a gun at close quarters, posing a direct threat to both the officers and the police dog. The officer could only have concluded that defensive force was necessary to protect themselves, Martino added.

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

The incident took place in the vicinity of Kipling Avenue and Dixon Road and unfolded after officers arrived at an apartment building to locate and apprehend the 44-year-old suspect, who was wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred the previous day in an Etobicoke apartment.

Upon spotting the suspect exiting the building and entering the parking lot, the officers called for a “takedown,” according to the SIU.

As one 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.

The SIU confirmed that the officer quickly sought cover and was not hit by gunfire. The suspect then fled the scene, jumping into nearby yards, prompting a chase. 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, a two-year-old German Shepherd named Bingo, and his handler began searching for the suspect. The dog successfully tracked the suspect to a backyard on Kingsview Boulevard and entered a brush in the southeast corner.

Within moments of entering the brush, gunfire erupted. The SIU revealed that the complainant, with his back against the rear fence of the property, had fired his weapon, a Glock 22, at the dog.

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

According to the SIU, the complainant dropped his weapon and was promptly arrested. Meanwhile, the officer attending to Bingo immediately called for medical assistance, exclaiming, “I need a medic here. My dog is down.” Sadly, Bingo was later pronounced dead.

SIU Director Martino analyzed the incident 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 in that moment was a firearm,” Martino stated.

Regarding the number of shots discharged in rapid succession, Martino wrote, “I am satisfied that the officer reasonably perceived a mortal threat throughout the gunfire. In fact, it appears that some of the shots may have been fired by the SO while the complainant was still actively firing his weapon.”

In September of last year, 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, following an extensive training program.

During the memorial service, Sgt. Smith expressed the deep bond he and Bingo had developed, stating that it was more than simply having a pet.