The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating after a York Regional Police officer discharged a less-lethal firearm at a 26-year-old Aurora man.
At about 6 a.m. today, Aug. 10, officers were called to a home on Cashel Court near Bathurst Street and McClennan Way for reports of an intruder armed with a knife, according to a SIU news release. Upon arrival, police contained the area.
At about 8 a.m., one of the officers discharged an anti-riot weapon enfield (ARWEN) at the man. The ARWEN is a weapon that fires less-lethal munition. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, it is considered a firearm, which is defined as "a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person."
Along with the ARWEN, two officers also discharged their conducted energy weapons at the man. He was apprehended and taken to the hospital.
The SIU said it doesn't appear that the man sustained any serious injuries as a result of the ARWEN discharge.
However, since it is considered a firearm, the SIU's mandate has been invoked. One investigator and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.
Anyone who may have information or videos or photographs of this incident is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.
