Three Boys Arrested After Toronto Police Officer Seriously Injured in Stolen Vehicle Chase
Three young boys have been arrested and charged after a Toronto police officer was seriously injured during a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, which led to an officer discharging his firearm.
Incident Details
The incident occurred just after midnight on June 15 when officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle on the Leaside Bridge near Donlands Avenue and O’Connor Drive. According to a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) press release issued on Tuesday, the 12-year-old driver allegedly struck an officer with the vehicle.
In response, an officer fired his weapon several times at the driver during the confrontation. The vehicle continued driving a short distance before the driver and two other passengers, aged 12 and 14, fled the scene on foot.
The stolen car was later found parked at Floyd Street and Donlands Avenue. The driver was apprehended and arrested a short distance away from the vehicle.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
The injured officer was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. The 12-year-old driver was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been moved to a youth center, SIU spokeswoman Kristy Denette confirmed to Global News on Wednesday.
Charges Laid
The 12-year-old driver from Toronto faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation, failure to stop for police, assault on a peace officer, and leaving the scene of an accident.
The second 12-year-old boy from Toronto has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property valued at over $5,000, and dangerous operation of a conveyance. A 14-year-old Toronto boy has been charged with possession of property valued at over $5,000 obtained by crime.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the three boys cannot be disclosed. They are scheduled to appear in court on July 15.
Investigation and Response
The Ontario Provincial Police initially took over the investigation after an officer fired his weapon during the incident. The SIU has since assumed control of the ongoing investigation.
Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, said the officer was fortunate to survive the encounter. “We are fortunate that no other police officers were killed,” Campbell said. “He was hit by a car. It got to the point where he had to use his firearm to protect himself.”
The incident adds to a series of recent events involving injuries and fatalities among police officers in the region.
