Toronto police officer dead after ‘intentional, deliberate act’ in parking garage near city hall

A veteran Toronto police officer is dead after being intentionally struck by a vehicle in an underground parking garage near city hall early Friday morning, according to police.

Const. Jeffrey Northrup was hit while he and his partner responded to a priority call" in an underground parking garage near Queen and Bay Streets. The officer was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. His partner was treated for injuries and released.

We believe this was an intentional, deliberate act," said interim police Chief James Ramer in a statement.

Northrup and his partner were in plain clothes and part of the policing unit for the July 1 events at city hall when the incident happened.

Police say they have a suspect in custody. The homicide squad is investigating.

The death of Northrup, who had been with Toronto Police Service for more than 31 years, will have profound impact" on the police force and the city, said Ramer.

According to police, Northrup started with Court Services, later joining 11 Division when he became a police officer in 1999. He was assigned to 52 Division in 2008.

Northrup was also a proud member of the Chief's Ceremonial Unit, and leaves behind his wife, his three children and his mother.

It goes without saying that it will be most devastating to the family, colleagues and friends of Constable Northrup," Ramer said in the statement, noting he along with 52 Division Unit Commander Greg Cole and the Toronto Police Association visited the family overnight to deliver the devastating news."

We are doing everything we can to support them at this time."

In a statement Friday, Mayor John Tory said he was deeply saddened" by Northrup's death, and offered condolences to the family, as well as the entire police force mourning the loss of one of their own.

I know all of the people of Toronto will join me in supporting the Northrup family and the entire police community in trying to come to terms with this loss and in their efforts to bring to justice those responsible for this tragic event," said Tory.

Tory also thanked Northrup's partner for her bravery and for acting quickly while on the scene of this horrific tragedy," as well as other first responders who helped to manage the situation.

Premier Doug Ford expressed his condolences to the slain officer's family.

I'm terribly saddened to hear the tragic news of Const. Jeff Northrup who was killed in the line of duty. Jeff served his community for 31 years," wrote Ford on Twitter. My deepest condolences to his wife, three kids and the entire Toronto Police Service. We are with you mourning this devastating loss."

The province's Solicitor General Sylvia Jones also posted a statement on Twitter about the death of Northrup.

The police community has lost a long-serving colleague today. The hearts of Ontarians are with the family, loved ones, and colleagues of @TorontoPolice Cst. Northrup during this devastating time," she wrote.

London police Chief Steve Williams also extended condolences to the family and police community.

This morning we join our brothers and sisters @TorontoPolice in mourning the on-duty death of Constable Jeffrey Northrup," Williams wrote on Twitter.

In a statement, Toronto Police Association president Jon Reid called the news of Northrup's death undeniably heartbreaking."

While they are often unsung heroes, Toronto Police Officers are the backbone of community safety and their role as officers comes at a heavy price. At any given moment, a police officer's day could turn fatal, as was the case with Constable Jeffrey Northrup," Reid said.

Reid described Northrup as a hardworking and dedicated family man with a long line of service, and added the association will provide full support to his family, as well as any members in need of mental health or counselling help.

Constable Jeffrey Northrup will be remembered as a devoted police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community," said Reid.

With files from Urbi Khan, Kris Rushowy and Ben Cohen

Gilbert Ngabo is a Toronto-based crime reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @dugilbo