SIU Invokes Mandate Following Hostage Taking

The Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate in connection with a police-involved shooting that occurred when York Regional Police officers responded to a hostage taking at a bank in the City of Vaughan.

On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, shortly after 1 p.m., York Regional Police were called to a bank in the area of Major Mackenzie Drive West and Dufferin Street for a report of a man with a gun. First-responding officers evacuated as many employees and patrons of the bank as possible, however some were held hostage by the suspect. Officers put nearby businesses and a daycare into lockdown.

Frontline officers, the York Regional Police Emergency Response Unit, along with members of the Canine Unit, Air Support Unit, Critical Incident Command and negotiators also attended the scene. Both Major Mackenzie Drive West and Dufferin Street were closed for the police operations.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is now conducting an investigation into the incident. York Regional Police is conducting its own parallel investigation.

“I would like to thank all of our citizens that were affected by yesterday’s incident,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “Our officers placed businesses in the area in lockdown for the safety of everyone inside. Without hesitation, our citizens followed instructions while our officers handled a very challenging situation. I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to connect both our officers and our citizens with the resources they may need to help deal with the trauma they experienced yesterday.”

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Special Investigations Unit lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529. The Unit is also urging anyone who may have any video evidence related to this incident to upload that video through the SIU website.

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