York Region’s top cop has broken his silence on a Police-involved shooting in Aurora leaves 17-year-old deadcalling 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 Investigation Unit previously indicated that officers responded to the area after receiving a call from an individual reporting a break-in at a home.

The teen died after an exchange of gunfire with four responding officers, the SIU said.

He toronto star has reported that the shooting took place outside the teen’s home and that he had been inside having dinner shortly before the incident.

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

“The shooting on October 30 highlights 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 issued on Friday. “Protecting our communities and our officials is a responsibility I take very seriously. “I support our members and will do everything I can to ensure they are supported during these events.”

The SIU has said one officer suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment after the shooting.

Meanwhile, the teen was punched several times and 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 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 are responding to hundreds of calls and consistently demonstrating professionalism, support and courtesy to the public. However, the environment for our officers has changed and become increasingly dangerous,” he said. “In the last five years there have been 952 incidents in which officers were victims of assault. This year alone, 116 officers have been attacked and assaulted. 13 of these incidents involved a weapon. I call on all justice sector stakeholders to do their part to ensure our communities and our officers are protected and remain safe. “Everyone has a role to play.”

It is rare for the police to comment on investigations being carried out by the SIU.

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

The SIU has named four subject officers as part of its ongoing investigation.

The teenager has not been publicly identified by the SIU.