Watchdog opens probe after multiple stun-gun discharges in North York
Ontario’s police watchdog has launched an investigation after Toronto police fired several stun guns at a man during an early-morning arrest in North York that left him with serious injuries.
The Special Investigations Unit said the incident occurred on Tuesday morning when officers responded to reports of an assault. During the arrest, officers discharged multiple stun guns at a 36-year-old man, who was later taken to hospital for treatment.
SIU assigns investigators and seeks public help
The SIU has assigned three investigators to the matter and is urging anyone who witnessed the event — or who may have captured it on video — to contact its investigators. The unit described the man’s injuries as serious but did not provide further medical details.
"It has assigned three investigators to the case."
As Ontario’s civilian police oversight body, the SIU reviews incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault. The unit’s involvement means its investigators will collect evidence, interview witnesses and determine whether the conduct of any officer may constitute an offence.
What residents in the area should know
- Location: North York — the incident was reported early on Tuesday morning.
- Subject: a 36-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
- Response: SIU has allocated three investigators and is seeking videos or information from bystanders.
The SIU did not release further operational details, such as the specific location within North York, the nature of the reported assault that prompted police response, the number of officers involved or the precise number of times stun guns were fired. Toronto Police Service statements and hospital updates have not been provided in the SIU’s initial release.
Next steps and public information
The SIU’s investigators will determine if there are grounds to recommend criminal charges based on their findings. In the meantime, the watchdog’s request for videos and witness accounts is a routine step in building a comprehensive record of the incident.
| Item | Known detail |
|---|---|
| Age of injured person | 36 |
| Injuries | Serious |
| Investigators assigned | 3 |
| Location | North York |
Anyone with information or footage related to the incident is being asked to contact the SIU directly, as the unit continues its fact‑finding work. Further updates will follow as investigators release additional findings.
