Death of officer at police headquarters being investigated as suicide: Chief Saunders
Posted February 7, 2020 12:52 pm.
Last Updated February 7, 2020 1:56 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Toronto police chief Mark Saunders says the death of an officer at police headquarters on Thursday night is being investigated as a suicide.
Saunders identified the officer as Const. Mike Austin.
“I am confirming that we are investigating our officer’s death as a suicide at this time,” Saunders tweeted.
“By law it is the responsibility of The Chief Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death,” he added. “Meanwhile, the organization is focusing on member wellness and supporting Constable Mike Austin’s family. Mike was loved by many and he will be missed.”
Saunders added that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Sources tell CityNews Austin suffered from PTSD after being shot at while on duty in 2006.
He died on Thursday night after shooting himself in the parking garage at Toronto Police headquarters, the sources confirm.
Austin had been an officer for 21 years and most recently worked in the Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC). He previously worked at 51 Division.
“Mike was a great guy,” said Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association. “He will be missed.”
Trauma and grief counselors are at police headquarters assisting staff.
More to come
