SIU launches probe into officer-involved shooting in downtown Ottawa

Ottawa police say a shooting happened in downtown Ottawa on Tuesday afternoon involving an officer.

The situation started with police being notified of a person with a firearm in the Sparks Street area. They found the person near 50 Rideau Street, between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street, around 1:30 p.m.

This is where an altercation happened, and two officers from the Ottawa Police Service discharged their firearms, hitting the person.

Police say the doors to the Rideau Centre were locked during this time.

Officials confirmed that no officers were injured in the shooting.

Paramedics told CityNews an adult male sustained gunshot wounds. He was stabilized by paramedics before being transferred to hospital in critical condition.

Police said later that the man is now in stable condition but remains in hospital.

There is no threat to public safety at the time, and no outstanding suspects. The downtown roadway will be closed until further notice for an investigation.

The province’s Special Investigations Unit launched an investigation into the situation. The watchdog is called in when there is an incident involving injury or death during a police interaction.

Anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.