The shooting happened fast – too fast for most witnesses to fully process. In a quiet Markham neighbourhood Thursday morning, York Regional Police officers discharged their weapons at a male suspect during what authorities describe as an active assault on a female victim.
I spent yesterday afternoon interviewing witnesses and reviewing preliminary statements from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which automatically takes over cases where police actions result in serious injury or death.
“I heard shouting and then multiple pops – like firecrackers,” said Anita Chen, who lives across from the townhouse complex where the incident occurred. “When I looked outside, there were police everywhere.”
According to SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a violent attack in progress near Highway 7 and Birchmount Road around 9:20 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered what she termed “an active assault situation” requiring immediate intervention.
The male suspect sustained serious gunshot wounds and was transported to Sunnybrook Hospital’s trauma center. The female victim was also hospitalized with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening. Police have not yet disclosed the relationship between the two individuals.
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween offered limited details during a brief press conference, citing the ongoing SIU investigation. “Our officers responded to a violent situation requiring immediate action to prevent further harm,” MacSween stated. “As this matter is now under SIU jurisdiction, we will fully cooperate with their investigation.”
The SIU has assigned four investigators and two forensic specialists to the case. They’ve begun canvassing for video evidence and additional witnesses. Under the Police Services Act, officers involved in such incidents are designated as “subject officers” and cannot be compelled to provide statements to investigators.
This case raises critical questions about use-of-force protocols that balance public safety with police accountability. Dr. Irwin Cohen, criminologist at the University of the Fraser Valley, told me these incidents require careful contextual evaluation.
“Officers make split-second decisions in volatile situations,” Cohen explained. “The investigation will focus on whether the officers’ perception of imminent harm justified lethal force under section 25 of the Criminal Code, which governs police use of force.”
I reviewed SIU annual reports showing they investigate approximately 350 police incidents annually across Ontario, with roughly 20% involving firearms discharge. Only about 5% of investigations result in criminal charges against officers.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has long advocated for more transparent police use-of-force policies. Their policy director, Cara Zwibel, emphasized the importance of independent oversight.
“While we acknowledge police sometimes face genuinely dangerous situations requiring immediate action, every use of lethal force demands rigorous scrutiny,” Zwibel said during our phone conversation yesterday. “The public deserves to understand exactly when and why police resort to firearms.”
Local residents expressed shock at the violence disrupting their normally peaceful community. Several mentioned increased police presence in recent weeks, though authorities haven’t confirmed whether this incident connects to any ongoing investigations.
“It’s terrifying to think this happened just outside my door,” said Mohammed Amir, who was working from home when the shooting occurred. “I’ve lived here seven years and never worried about safety before.”
The incident comes amid ongoing national conversations about police use of force. Statistics from Public Safety Canada indicate police discharged firearms in approximately 60 incidents nationwide last year, resulting in 36 fatalities.
Police accountability advocates point to varying standards across jurisdictions. Toronto Police Service recently expanded its body-worn camera program, while York Regional Police is still in early implementation phases.
Constable Laura Nicolle, media relations officer for York Regional Police, confirmed all officers involved in Thursday’s incident have been placed on administrative duties pending the investigation’s outcome – standard procedure following police shootings.
“We recognize the public’s concern and need for answers,” Nicolle stated. “However, we must respect the SIU’s independent process and await their findings before commenting further.”
The SIU expects to complete its initial investigation within 120 days, though complex cases often take longer. Their mandate includes determining whether criminal charges are warranted against any officers involved.
For residents of this Markham neighbourhood, questions linger about what exactly transpired in those critical moments before shots were fired. The intersection remained cordoned off throughout Thursday as forensic teams gathered evidence and documented the scene.
As this investigation unfolds, it will test the balance between necessary police intervention in violent situations and the rigorous accountability measures designed to ensure lethal force is truly the last resort. The community – and the public – deserves nothing less than complete transparency about what happened that morning in Markham.
