Shoots, Wounds Gunman Trying To Kill His Partner
By Cal Millar, The Toronto Star
A rookie officer is being heralded by Toronto police as a hero for shooting and wounding a gunman who was trying to kill his partner.
Toronto police can’t release details of the incident because the shooting is under investigation by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit.
However, sources said Constable Steve McNeil, 28, a police officer for seven months, may be recommended for the department’s medal of honour.
Police Chief Julian Fantino told reporters yesterday that Toronto police expect to charge the suspect, currently in hospital, with attempted murder.
McNeil’s 34-year-old partner, Constable Noel deGuzman, who joined the force 19 months ago, was shot in both legs during what police are describing as a routine investigation.
A bullet also nicked deGuzman’s ear when the gunman fired at his head just before McNeil shot the gunman, police said. It was around 1 a.m. Thursday when the two police officers stopped a luxury vehicle while patrolling in the Lansdowne Ave. and Dupont St. area. Within seconds they faced a hail of gunfire, sources said.
Fantino said the wounded officer underwent five hours of surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital.
“I believe, knowing the events as I know them now, that the two officers involved are genuine heroes,” Fantino said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ `Bullets struck the officer in both legs. It will be many months before he can even walk’
-- Police Chief Julian Fantino
------------------------------------------------------------------------
He said the police officers had no idea the person they were attempting to question was armed and wanted on numerous warrants, including charges of attempted murder, forcible confinement and extortion.
Fantino confirmed that police seized guns at the scene. A news release issued by the Special Investigations Unit identified the man allegedly shot in the shoulder by police as Michael Jason Swift, 23, of Toronto.
It said Toronto police were attempting to stop Mr. Swift, “which resulted in an altercation and shots being fired.”
The statement added that SIU investigators have interviewed more than 10 witnesses.
Fantino confirmed both officers fired their guns during the shootout but wouldn’t say how many shots were fired. He said the officers didn’t expect to be shot at and hadn’t pulled their guns when they went to investigate the suspect.
He visited deGuzman at St. Michael’s Hospital after the shooting and said he the officer is in good spirits but still in considerable pain.
“Bullets struck the officer in both legs. The injuries are quite substantial. It will take him considerable time to recover. It will be many months before he can even walk,” Fantino said.
“I suppose at the end of all this, we are just grateful it wasn’t a more serious outcome.”
Fantino said the wounded officer and his wife are both marathon runners.