A prominent Toronto criminal lawyer was one of two men injured in a daylight shooting yesterday in the Annex.

It’s been confirmed by people in the legal community that the lawyer is 66 year old Randall Barrs, who’s argued before the Supreme Court and represented clients in many drug and gun cases.

The province’s Special Investigation Unit has been called in to probe the incident. Spokesperson Jason Gennaro says the shootings took place just after 3:30 in the afternoon.

“A criminal defense lawyer was leaving his office at 23 Bedford Road, which is north of Bloor Street and west of Avenue Road,” Gennaro explained to reporters, “Moments later in the driveway of the law office the lawyer was shot by a man. Several plainclothes Halton Region police officers were conducting surveillance in the area and shortly after the shooting occurred one Halton police officer shot the man who shot the lawyer.”

“He’s a very distinguished member of the bar,” says fellow criminal lawyer Clayton Ruby of Barrs, “He’s appeared in front of the Supreme Court of Canada and at every level of court and he’s a very straightforward highly regarded trustworthy guy.”

The SIU investigates cases of serious injury or death involving interactions with police. The 51 year old alleged shooter remained in serious condition last night. Police have not identified him, nor confirmed whether he was known by police.