Video – Photo Gallery – Belleville Synagogue Area Locked Down After Sunday Night Shooting
A Belleville Police officer and another individual were injured Sunday evening following a shooting in the city’s east end that prompted a major police response and the cordoning off of an area around the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
The incident happened at approximately 7:10 p.m. on September 20 in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue.
Belleville Police say an officer encountered an individual in the area and that both the officer and the individual sustained injuries. Both were transported to hospital.
Police have not released the circumstances surrounding the injuries.
Unconfirmed reports circulating Sunday night indicated the officer had been attending a community service event at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue when an armed individual was reportedly confronted outside the synagogue.
Those reports suggested an altercation occurred and that numerous shots were exchanged.
Those details have not been confirmed by Belleville Police and remain subject to investigation.
Thirty-year-old Cody Bain lives about a block from the scene and arrived home shortly after the incident.
Bain said others in the neighbourhood reported hearing a large number of gunshots.
“It sounded about 20 between 20 and 30 gunshots were heard,” Bain said.
He said he arrived about 10 minutes after the shooting and witnessed a massive emergency response.
“We showed up just in time basically to see the ambulances rush in and about 20 or 30 cop cars and the SWAT team roll in,” he said.
Bain said the information he was hearing indicated the shooting occurred outside the synagogue.
“From the sounds of what I’ve heard, it happened from the outside. They were exchanging words on the outside and then it erupted into gunfire,” he said.
A police officer may have been shot in the neck or shoulder.
Bail said he was not aware of anyone inside the synagogue being injured.
“Not that I know of,” Bain said. “It was put into lockdown. They locked the doors and they have since evacuated them.”
Bain also said there had been concerns in the area during the previous week involving people outside the synagogue.
“It sounds like last week they were put on high alert when there was a few people hanging around outside making them feel very nervous,” he said. “They decided that for tonight they needed the extra security and turns out they did.”
Living so close to the incident, Bain said the shooting was something he never expected to see in his neighbourhood.
“It’s absolutely crazy. I’ve been here for 10 years. I’ve never had anything like this happen ever. Scary,” he said.
“Very scary to have it happen that close to home. Never had a problem.”
Bain said that, based on what he was hearing Sunday night, he believed the responding officer may have prevented further injuries.
“It definitely does sound that way. It sounds like they were right. They needed the extra security. It sounds like he did his absolute best to protect everybody.”
SIU investigating
The Belleville Police Service has notified Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the incident who arrived shortly before midnight.
The SIU investigates incidents involving police officers that result in death, serious injury or other circumstances falling within its mandate.
Belleville Police say they are unable to provide any further information at this time.
Police are asking members of the public to avoid the area and follow the directions of emergency personnel.
Police say there is no risk to public safety.
The condition of the officer and the other injured individual has not been released by Belleville Police.
Unconfirmed reports have indicated that the two injured individuals were transported to different hospitals, but those details have not been confirmed by police.
Mayor expresses concern
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the incident.
“Violence of this nature has no place in our community. The City of Belleville has zero tolerance for acts of violence motivated by hate,” Ellis said.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community, including when gathering and practising their faith.”
Ellis said the city’s thoughts were with Belleville’s Jewish community, those affected by the incident and the injured officer.
“We are praying for their recovery,” he said, while extending condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues and the Belleville Police Service.
“I commend the Belleville Police Service for its swift response and continued efforts to keep our community safe,” Ellis said.
“The City will continue to work closely with the Belleville Police Service as more information becomes available.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love