Teen killed by York police during 'exchange of gunfire' in Aurora, SIU says

York Regional Police at the scene of a fatal police-involved shooting in Aurora on Oct. 30, 2024. (CBC - image credit)
York Regional Police at the scene of a fatal police-involved shooting in Aurora on Oct. 30, 2024. (CBC - image credit)

Ontario's police watchdog says a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot by York Regional Police officers responding to an alleged break-and-enter in Aurora on Wednesday.

Four officers were dispatched to a residence on Downey Circle around 7:45 p.m. after a caller reported a break-and-enter in progress at the home, said Special Investigations Unit (SIU) spokesperson Monica Hudon.

When they arrived, there was an "exchange of gunfire" between all four officers and the teen, Hudon told reporters Thursday.

"The male was struck multiple times and pronounced deceased at the scene. One officer suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment," she said.

Hudon could not say where specifically the gunfight took place.

A York Regional Police spokesperson provided a similar summary of events during a news conference at the scene late Wednesday.

WATCH | Teen killed during shootout with York police: 

There was a large police presence in the area for several hours after the shooting.

Both the SIU and York police are appealing for information or video that could assist their investigations.

Hudon said the SIU has assigned five investigators and three forensic investigators to the case.

The SIU is an independent agency that investigates police conduct in incidents that result in death, serious injury, the discharge of a firearm or allegations of sexual assault.