Off-duty Toronto police officer shot during arrest after recognizing wanted man in King West

An off-duty Toronto police officer is recovering at home after being shot during an arrest in King West after he recognized a wanted man late Saturday night.

Det. Brandon Price said the off-duty officer was in the Bathurst and King Streets area around 11:40 p.m. when he spotted a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for attempted murder in connection with a shooting in the Church and Front Streets area back in December of 2022.

The officer called other police officers and when they arrived, the suspect allegedly attempted to flee the scene. While pursuing the suspect, the off-duty officer was shot in the upper leg. The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident. A firearm was located and recovered.

No police officers fired their weapons and only one shot was fired during the incident, added Price.

The off-duty officer was taken to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released and is recovering from his injuries at home.

Javell Jackson, 30, of Toronto is now facing a dozen additional charges including another charge of attempted murder and numerous additional firearm charges. He was also charged with failing to comply with both a release order and a probation order.

“The incident demonstrates that our officers, even when off-duty, are committed to keeping our city safe, sometimes at great risk to themselves,” added Det. Price.

The Toronto Police Association identified the officer as a 30-year-old with six years of service.

“Despite this event, our member is in good spirits and is well on his way to recovery,” read a post on X. “We are thankful he’s going to be ok and we are proud of his efforts.”

Mayor Olivia Chow also wished the officer a quick recovery from their injuries and offered her full support.

“Violence is never acceptable,” read her post on X.