York Region’s top police officer breaks his silence during a Police-involved shooting in Aurora that killed 17-year-old boycalling it a “tragic event” that “brings to the forefront the increasing levels of violence” faced by frontline officers.

The incident occurred outside a residence on Downey Circle, located near St. John’s Sideroad and Bayview Avenue, shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The Special Investigations Unit previously indicated that officers responded to the scene after receiving a call from an individual reporting a break-in in progress at a residence.

The teen was killed following an exchange of gunfire with four responding officers, the SIU said.

THE Toronto Star reported that the shooting took place outside the teen’s home and that he was dining inside shortly before the incident.

CTV News has not independently confirmed this detail, which was relayed to the newspaper by the teen’s mother.

“The October 30 shooting brings to the forefront the increasing levels of violence experienced by our frontline members as they work diligently to maintain order and public safety,” MacSween said in a statement. statement published Friday. “Protecting our communities and our officers is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I stand with our members and will do everything I can to ensure they are supported throughout these events.

The SIU said a police officer suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment following the shooting.

The teenager, meanwhile, was struck several times and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

In his statement, MacSween did not elaborate on the specific circumstances that led to the shooting.

But he called the incident “a tragic event and yet another example of the challenges our officers face every day.”

“Every day, York Regional Police officers work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. They respond to hundreds of calls and consistently demonstrate professionalism, support and courtesy to the public. However, the environment for our officers has changed and become increasingly dangerous,” he said. “Over the past five years, there have been 952 incidents in which police officers have been victims of assault. This year alone, 116 police officers have been attacked and assaulted. Thirteen of those incidents involved a weapon. I call on all justice sector stakeholders to do their part to ensure our communities and officers are protected and remain safe. Everyone has a role to play.

It is quite rare for police to comment on matters under investigation by the SIU.

It should be noted that MacSween’s statement does not speak directly to the actions of his agent or the teen, beyond the details already shared by the SIU.

The SIU has named four officers involved in its ongoing investigation.

The teen has not been publicly identified by the SIU.