Chaos at Pearson: Man Shot by Police, Airport Disrupted but Flights Continue
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TORONTO — Pearson International Airport turned into an unexpected crime scene early Thursday morning after a police-involved shooting left one man dead and travelers stunned.
It all started just before 7 a.m. when Peel Regional Police responded to reports of a “man in distress” inside an SUV parked at the Terminal 1 departures level. According to Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the situation escalated fast.
The man reportedly pulled out a firearm, prompting three officers to open fire. The 30-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no officers were hurt.
Despite the dramatic scene, Peel police were quick to calm nerves on social media, assuring the public this was an “isolated incident” with no ongoing threat to safety. Still, the sight of flashing lights, police tape, and shaken travelers created a surreal morning rush.
Witnesses Caught in the Confusion
Danilo Simic, who had just dropped a friend off, described the terrifying moment he heard over ten loud bangs. “It wasn’t a car backfiring,” he told CBC News. “It was something I’d never heard before.”
Instinct kicked in—he ducked inside his vehicle. Around him, people froze. Simic later saw a man bleeding on the ground while a police officer performed CPR. Another witness, Jake Seymour, was nearby and tried to help but found first responders already at work.
Police were seen holding back a woman from the area, but no details have been released about her connection to the situation.
What’s the Scene Like Now?
Photos from the airport show a heavy police presence near a grey SUV with its trunk open and several evidence markers around it. The SUV was parked near a secondary road, closer to the parking garage—not the main passenger drop-off point.
Despite the police tape and flashing lights, the show goes on: flights are still operating normally, according to the airport’s website. That said, if you’re heading to Terminal 1, pack a little extra patience.
Here’s What Travelers Need to Know:
- The road to Terminal 1 departures is closed, so use the arrivals level instead.
- The Terminal 1 parking garage is open.
- You can also park at Terminal 3 or the Viscount Station Kiss & Fly lot and take the train to T1.
- Highway 409 access to Terminal 1 is closed for now.
- The 900 Airport Express bus is rerouted to Terminal 3.
- UP Express train service is still running smoothly.
What's Next?
The SIU has taken over the investigation. For those unfamiliar, this independent agency looks into cases where police actions may have led to death, serious injury, or the discharge of a firearm. They're now on-site gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
For now, Pearson is back to business—but this morning’s event will likely linger in the minds of many who just came to catch a flight.
