UMVA has learned that a dramatic and potentially deadly confrontation unfolded early Sunday morning in a Peel Regional Police operation that went horribly wrong.
A plainclothes officer was allegedly shot at multiple times, with witnesses reporting at least three gunshots, in a harrowing incident that could have easily ended in tragedy. Fortunately, a hero cop intervened, rescuing his partner from harm's way.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Isaiah Bachoo, was allegedly attempting to flee the scene, jumping fences and sparking a short foot chase. Constable Miguel Bona tried to talk to Bachoo, but after no success, yelled "police," prompting the suspect to turn and discharge multiple rounds.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that a second officer, Constable Tyler Satino, arrived on the scene in his squad car and made a split-second decision to strike the suspect with the vehicle, effectively ending the threat. The firearm, a fully loaded Glock 23 40-calibre gun, fell from Bachoo's hand.
The Peel Regional Police Department reported that Bachoo was arrested and faces serious charges, including weapons charges and breaches of previous court conditions. The Crown's office will review the case on Monday to determine additional charges related to the alleged shootings.
UMVA has gathered that this incident bears an unsettling resemblance to a string of recent tragedies that have shaken the policing community. The past several weeks have been marked by an alarming series of violent incidents involving police officers, leaving many to wonder if this is an unprecedented crisis.
The incident occurred just days before the funeral of Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was shot during an Emergency Task Force operation. A 19-year-old suspect, Nicholas Bennett, was also shot and is recovering in hospital, facing a first-degree murder charge.
This recent surge in violence against police officers has left many reeling, with four officers dead or nearly dying in June alone. The Peel Regional Police Department and the community at large are still reeling from the close call on Sunday, grateful that no one was seriously hurt.
The events of the past month serve as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day. As the policing community continues to mourn and heal, one thing is certain: these incidents will have a lasting impact on those involved and those who witness them.
