A man shot by Durham Regional Police officers during a mental health crisis intervention in Oshawa has been arrested and is now facing criminal charges. Both the individual and an officer involved in the incident are reported to be in stable condition.
Details of the Oshawa Police-Involved Shooting
The incident occurred on January 19, 2026. Police were responding to a call for a person in crisis. During the interaction, the situation escalated, resulting in an officer discharging their firearm. The man was struck and sustained injuries.
Specific details surrounding the exact nature of the interaction and what led to the use of force have not been fully disclosed by authorities, as the investigation is ongoing. The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which probes incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault, was likely notified, though their involvement was not detailed in the initial report.
Aftermath and Criminal Charges
Following medical treatment, the man involved in the shooting was taken into custody. He has since been charged by police, though the specific charges have not been made public at this time. The fact that charges were laid indicates that police believe a criminal offense occurred separate from the shooting itself.
The Durham police officer involved in the incident is also in stable condition. It is unclear if the officer's injuries were sustained during the altercation that led to the shooting.
Ongoing Scrutiny of Police and Mental Health Calls
This event in Oshawa once again highlights the complex and often dangerous nature of police responses to mental health crises. Communities across Canada continue to debate and seek improved models for handling such calls, which sometimes involve co-response teams with mental health professionals.
The Durham Regional Police service will conduct an internal review of the incident, in addition to any external oversight. The case is expected to proceed through the judicial system as the charges against the man are addressed.
