Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after police shot two men in Markham, one fatally, during an investigation into a rash of recent home invasions in the area.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) reported the shooting on Twitter around 11:15 a.m., roughly four hours after it happened.
In a news release Friday afternoon, York Regional Police said officers were in the area of Eyer Drive — a mostly residential area near Rodick Road and 16th Avenue — as part of an investigation into six recent home invasions.
Plainclothes officers in unmarked cars were investigating a white vehicle in the area when there was an “interaction” between the occupants of the vehicle and police, SIU spokeswoman Monica Hudon told reporters.
One of the occupants was believed to be armed, she added, and two police officers opened fire.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene and a second was taken to hospital where he is in stable condition.
The second man, as well as another man and a woman, have been detained, the police said. All three are 26 years old.
Police said it was unclear at this time what charges might be filed.
A photo taken by a citizen in the area captured the takedown of one of the suspects on Friday morning. (Name withheld)
Hudden says seven investigators and four forensic scientists have been assigned to the case.
Police did not say why they were undercover or why they started shooting.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or may have surveillance video or dashcam footage is asked to contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates police conduct that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
Earlier this week, police said they believe the home invasions, which occurred between Sept. 26 and Nov. 21, are connected.
In each case, the suspects – at least one of whom was armed – broke into homes between 3 and 4 a.m. and demanded cash, police said.
Police advised residents to keep their doors locked, avoid keeping large sums of money or valuables at home and consider installing an alarm system.
Anyone with information about the home invasions is asked to contact York Regional Police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.1800222tips.com.
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