Police officer shot outside Belleville synagogue identified, faces ‘significant road to recovery’

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The officer who was shot outside a Belleville, Ont. synagogue on Sunday has been identified as Const. Jeff Smith.

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He is recovering in hospital and is in critical but stable condition, according to Belleville Police Services Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks, who spoke to media on Monday.

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While he continues to face a significant road to recovery, his condition has stabilized, and we remain hopeful and encouraged by his progress, she said. Our thoughts are with Const. Smith, his family, his friends, and his colleagues. Supporting them has been our top priority.

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Smith was stationed outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The officer was present because of safety concerns, especially on a night where there would be many congregants in attendance, the synagogues president Norman Weddum told National Post.

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Weddum said that before entering the building, he thanked Smith for being there.Soon after the evening prayer service started, around 7 p.m., dozens of shots rang out.

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A 29-year-oldsuspect armed with a shotgun opened fire at Smith, who then is believed to have shot back, said Kristy Denette on Monday. She is a spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the provinces police watchdog that is leading the investigation.

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Denette said it is currently believed that the man drove to the area in a truck. A second officer got to the scene shortly after and fired back at thesuspected shooter before more officers arrived.

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During the incident, Smith sustained serious injuries, said Meeks.

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Smith joined the Belleville Police Service on Dec. 27, 2013. Meeks said he served the community with distinction for nearly 13 years.

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He is a longstanding and highly respected member of our emergency response unit, known by his colleagues as a dedicated officer, trusted teammate, and committed public servant, she said.

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The suspect was hospitalized in life-threatening condition. There were an estimated 25 people gathered inside the synagogue, Weddum told National Post, but no one in the congregation was injured.

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While the SIU is involved because police officers discharged weapons at a person, the Belleville police are leading the criminal side of the investigation.

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Meeks said the Belleville police are committed to being as transparent as possible and keeping our community informed but would not be commenting on the investigation further at this time.

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