A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
Det. John Park was conducting a search warrant in the area of Jane Street and Steeles Avenue early Thursday morning when he had a medical episode, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told reporters on Thursday afternoon. Park, a 14-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, was later pronounced dead, Pogue said.
During a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Pogue, fighting back tears, told reporters that Park is survived by his wife and two young children, ages nine and five.
“They are understandably devastated by this sudden and tragic loss,” Pogue said.
“This is heartbreaking news just before Christmas and there is no words to express the sorrow that we feel right now.”
This is a breaking news story. More details to follow.