Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Belleville Police officer and another man were injured during an incident Sunday evening.
The incident happened near a synagogue as members of the Jewish community were marking Yom Kippur.
Belleville Police say the incident happened around 7:10 p.m. near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue in the city’s east end.
Reports indicate the officer and the man were wounded during an exchange of gunfire. Both were transported to hospital, with the man reportedly suffering life-threatening injuries.
Belleville Police notified the province’s Special Investigations Unit following the incident.
With the SIU now investigating, local police say they cannot provide further details about what happened or the circumstances leading up to the injuries.
Police asked members of the public to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency crews.
They also stressed there is no continuing risk to public safety.
Hastings–Lennox and Addington–Tyendinaga MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman said on social media that she was deeply concerned by reports of an alleged shooting involving the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur. She said her thoughts are with the congregation, their families and everyone affected
The SIU investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury, allegations of sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
(By: Tim Baltz)
