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She urged anyone with information — particularly anyone with video evidence — to contact the SIU.

Photo by Aaron Lynett/The Canadian Press

Niagara regional police said in a statement Thursday evening that the officer was in stable condition. The officer has 28 years of service and his name “is not being released at this time,” the force said.

“In the spirit of transparency, I have asked the Ontario Provincial Police to determine if there is any criminal culpability outside of the SIU’s scope,” Niagara regional police Chief Bryan MacCulloch said in the statement.

“The days and weeks ahead will be trying ones for the NRPS family and the community we serve,” MacCulloch said. “I ask for your support for our members and all those involved.”

Local residents said the shooting led to a rush of squad cars racing to the scene in the early afternoon.

Robin Zavitz said she was driving home at about 1:30 p.m. when she came across a police blockade. She said she could see a police SUV in a ditch and numerous squad cars nearby.

“The police car is head-first in the ditch and there doesn’t appear to be any damage to it,” Zavitz said.

“It’s scary when a police officer has been shot in the middle of the day.”

Photo by Robin Zavitz/The Canadian Press/HO

Zavitz said a police car had been blocking the road at the same intersection all morning, but added the flurry of police activity didn’t occur until the early afternoon.

Niagara regional police had tweeted earlier Thursday that the road would be partially closed for an investigation. Hudon said that investigation was related to a collision that occurred days earlier, but did not elaborate further.