Toronto Police Constable Accused of Using Unnecessary Force in Shooting Incident
A recent report from the chief of police has revealed that a Toronto police constable used unnecessary force against a man carrying a knife in a park last February. According to the report, Constable Andrew Davis failed to de-escalate the situation and acted in a disorderly manner, which could potentially discredit the police force. The incident in question involved the shooting of Devon Fowlin, who, despite being shot twice, survived with serious injuries.
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Constable Davis is already facing criminal charges for the shooting, and the report states that he will now face a police tribunal. Another officer, who remains unnamed, will also face a disciplinary hearing related to the incident. Fowlin’s lawyer, David Shellnutt, expressed satisfaction with the proactive assessment conducted by the Toronto Police Services (TPS). However, he emphasized that the incident demonstrated a failure to de-escalate and prevent violence in a non-threatening situation.
Fowlin’s lawyer further revealed that neither he nor his client were notified about the chief’s report by TPS. They only became aware of it when a friend and activist saw it on the board’s online agenda. This lack of communication raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the police force.
The report provides details of the shooting incident. Constable Davis and four other officers from North York’s 12 Division approached Fowlin after receiving a citizen’s report about a man with a knife in a park. Despite being instructed to lie down on the ground, Fowlin backed away from the officers. Two officers fired Tasers, but they had no effect. Fowlin then raised the knife to his throat, leading Constable Davis to shoot him twice.
Activist and journalist Desmond Cole, a friend of Fowlin’s, addressed the board, stating that this incident was another example of anti-Black racism within the Toronto police force. Cole criticized the fact that the report’s findings, although indicating misconduct, do not absolve the police from their initial confrontation and shooting of Fowlin.
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The report also revealed instances of misconduct by three other officers involved in the incident. These officers failed to adhere to applicable legislation and standards of conduct. One officer mishandled Davis’s firearm, although this did not impact the Special Investigations Unit’s separate investigation into the incident.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing issue of police misconduct and the need for greater accountability and de-escalation practices within law enforcement. The report’s findings will hopefully prompt further action and reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
