Police watchdog investigating after man shot near Ottawa mall

OTTAWA — Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot in Ottawa near a downtown mall.

Ottawa police said in a statement that they responded to a firearms call Tuesday afternoon in the Sparks Street area, a short walk from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Centre mall.

The Special Investigations Unit says preliminary information suggests that following an “interaction,” two officers discharged their firearms and the man was hit.

Police said in their statement that one officer discharged their firearm.

The agency says the 24-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is in stable condition.

Police say no officers were injured and there is no threat to public safety.

Police presence was heavy around the mall Tuesday afternoon, and the doors were briefly locked.

Parliamentary Protective Service vehicles were seen speeding to Parliament Hill with sirens blaring.

In a statement, it said the incident posed no threat to the precinct.

Ottawa police cordoned off an entrance to the mall, but on the inside there was normal foot traffic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2025.