A Toronto police officer is recovering after being shot during an off-duty arrest in the Bathurst Street and King Street West area late Saturday night. The officer, whose name has not been released, was making the arrest of a suspect wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for attempted murder.
Yesterday, around 11:40 p.m., the off-duty officer noticed Javell Jackson, 30, who was wanted in connection with a December 2022 shooting in the Church Street and Front Street East area. Jackson had been involved in an altercation that led to him discharging a firearm, severely injuring another man.
Upon recognizing Jackson, the officer promptly alerted on-duty colleagues. As they approached Jackson, he attempted to flee on foot. During the ensuing chase, Jackson fired a shot, hitting the off-duty officer in the leg. Despite his injury, the officer’s actions, along with the swift response from the on-duty officers, led to Jackson’s arrest on the scene. A firearm was located and seized.
The injured officer was transported to a nearby hospital where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. He has since been released and is recovering at home. Detective Sergeant Brandon Price commended the officer’s bravery, stating, “This is an astute officer who risked his safety and took action after noticing someone wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant for attempted murder.”
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw praised the officer’s diligence and the courage of all involved officers, posting on social media, “The officer’s diligence and the courage of all involved officers is commendable.” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also extended her well-wishes for the officer’s recovery, emphasizing that “violence is never acceptable” and commending the officers for their dedication to keeping the city safe.
John Reed, president of the Toronto Police Association, highlighted the multifaceted recovery process for the injured officer, noting that such incidents have both physical and mental impacts on law enforcement personnel. “There are obviously the physical injuries sustained while performing his duties, but there’s also the mental toll this can have on people,” Reed said.
Charges Against Javell Jackson
Following his arrest, Javell Jackson has been charged with several additional offenses, including another count of attempted murder and multiple firearms charges. His previous charges included:
- Attempted Murder
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Failure to Comply with Release Order
Jackson appeared in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Sunday, August 4, 2024. The charges now encompass:
- Attempted Murder
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Failure to Comply with Release Order
- Failure to Comply with Probation Order
- Careless Use of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Possession of a Weapon
- Making an Automatic Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
The Toronto Police Service continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to come forward. This arrest not only removes a dangerous individual from the streets but also highlights the vigilance and bravery of the city’s law enforcement officers.