Toronto police say an officer was shot while responding to a robbery call in the city’s St. James Town neighbourhood early Thursday morning. According to police, officers were called to investigate a stolen e-bike at around 3:20 a.m. and subsequently located the suspect in the area of Bloor and Sherbourne streets. One officer, police said, was shot by the suspect and was rushed to hospital in serious, but non-life-threatening condition. The suspect was arrested and the firearm has been recovered. Police tape has sectioned off an area of the street and an e-bike appears to have been left lying on the roadway. Bloor Street is currently closed in both directions between Sherbourne and Parliament streets. The investigation is ongoing, police say. In a statement, the Police Association of Ontario said it was “saddened” to hear about this incident but “relieved” that the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening. “Violence against police is unacceptable. The Police Association of Ontario stands united against such acts and remains committed to supporting our members who work tirelessly to protect our communities,” the statement, posted on social media, read. “Our thoughts are with the officer, their loved ones, and everyone at the Toronto Police Association and Toronto Police Service. Wishing the officer a full and speedy recovery.” In a written statement, Mayor Olivia Chow thanked officers who responded to the incident in Thursday morning. “I understand the officer is expected to recover and I wish them a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with their loved ones, who I can only imagine are going through an incredibly stressful and difficult time,” she wrote on social media. “The suspect has been arrested and the gun was taken off the streets. I want to thank the Toronto Police Service for their work responding to this incident and keeping our city safe. This is another reminder of what frontline officers face each day as they serve our city and work to keep people safe. We are grateful for their courage and commitment.” Toronto police are expected to provide an update on the incident at 10 a.m.
