Toronto police are investigating how a handcuffed suspect sitting in the back of a cruiser was able to pull out a firearm, as well as how the video of the startling incident was leaked to the media.

The man was initially arrested Sunday evening on The Esplanade in downtown Toronto, after officers found him in the car driver’s seat while allegedly impaired with alcohol.

But the officers didn’t find the firearm when they conducted “a pat down search” of the driver, police said in a news release Tuesday.

It was only when the police officers were driving away, with the suspect sitting in the back, that they heard “something hitting the floor in the rear seat,” according to the statement.

A semi-automatic pistol was found on the floor in front of the man in custody. He was then brought to 41 Division for processing.

Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said the safety of police officers “is of paramount importance.”

“Our officers face risks every day in their jobs,” Saunders said. “In this case, a call for a suspected impaired driver resulted in multiple firearm-related charges against an individual who allegedly concealed the firearm during his arrest by police. The officers conducted a search of the accused and the gun was not detected. The incident is under investigation to assess if this is a training or disciplinary matter.”

Police are also launching a probe into how the in-car video of the man in the back of the cruiser was leaked to local media.

“I have ordered a full investigation into the leak of the in-car camera evidence which is a clear breach of protocol and procedure,” Saunders said.

Saunders said the force issued a safety notice regarding the way the pistol was concealed in this case, but declined to provide further details on what the notice contained.

He did not provide an estimated timeline for the force’s internal investigation.

Mayor John Tory described the incident as “disconcerting,” saying he welcomed the police investigation and looked forward to hearing recommendations on how such situations can be avoided.

Ali Showbeg, 38, of Mississauga, is facing nine criminal charges — seven of them firearm related.

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His charges include carrying a concealed weapon, possession of prohibited ammunition, possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Showbeg is scheduled to appear in court Monday.