An investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting of a 30-year-old man by police outside Toronto’s Pearson Airport.
The incident occurred on the morning of April 24 after Peel Regional Police responded to reports of a “man in distress” during a dispute at the Terminal 1 departures level, police said.
The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said it is now investigating the incident. Preliminary information suggests the shooting occurred before 7 a.m., SIU says.
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah held a press conference at the airport later that morning.
“Our officers that responded went to the aid of security that was already here,” Duraiappah told reporters. “Our officers engaged in a discussion with a group of individuals that were experiencing a dispute. Our officers spent an amount of time trying to resolve the dispute, an immense amount of de-escalation and engagement with the parties.”
The man was armed with a gun, which he drew and pointed at police, Duraiappah said.
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“There were three officers that responded as a result of that to protect themselves and the community and the passengers here at the airport,” Duraiappah said, adding that two officers discharged their firearms. “As a result, the subject was shot.”
The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
No police were injured in the incident, said SIU, which noted there was no threat to the public.
The two officers involved in the shooting are now part of the SIU investigation.
“Peel Regional Police absolutely is cooperating fully,” Duraiappah said. “We have body camera video, and obviously we’re at a place that has a lot of evidence and a lot of witnesses, all of which will be available to this special investigations unit.”
Toronto Pearson Airport said on social media that flights are operating normally but the the roadway to Terminal 1 departures remains closed for the police investigation.
The parking garage in Terminal 1 remains open and travellers can also park at Terminal 3 or the Viscount Station Kiss and Fly lots and then take the train to Terminal 1, the post said.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact SIU investigators.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
