The identity of the officer and suspect was released.
UPDATE (4:00 PM):
Police have identified a 29-year-old Quinte West man as the suspect in a shooting outside a Belleville synagogue that left a police officer and the suspect injured.
Belleville Police say Sean Ward remains in hospital in life-threatening condition and has not been charged.
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. Sunday near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish faith.
The Special Investigations Unit is investigating after two officers discharged their firearms during the incident.
Kristy Denette, a spokesperson for Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), says the officer stationed near the synagogue returned fire after the suspect arrived in a truck armed with a shotgun. A second officer also fired.
Const. Jeff Smith, a nearly 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police Service, was seriously injured.
Police Deputy Chief Sherry Meeks said Smith is recovering.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Belleville Police have increased patrols and are maintaining a height police presence throughout the city, including around places of worship, while continuing to work closely with community leaders to provide reassurance and support.
It's expected the stretch of road will be closed for a few days.
Update by Emily Chatwood
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ORIGINAL STORY:
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Belleville Police officer and another man were injured during an incident Sunday evening.
The incident happened near a synagogue as members of the Jewish community were marking Yom Kippur.
Belleville Police say the incident happened around 7:10 p.m. near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue in the city’s east end.
Reports indicate the officer and the man were wounded during an exchange of gunfire. Both were transported to hospital, with the man reportedly suffering life-threatening injuries.
Belleville Police notified the province’s Special Investigations Unit following the incident.
With the SIU now investigating, local police say they cannot provide further details about what happened or the circumstances leading up to the injuries.
Police asked members of the public to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency crews.
They also stressed there is no continuing risk to public safety.
The SIU investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury, allegations of sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
