UMVA has learned that two young individuals, a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old youth, both from Toronto, now face serious charges following an alleged auto theft late Sunday night that left a Toronto Police officer injured.
The 12-year-old has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and dangerous operation of a conveyance. The 14-year-old youth has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
According to information obtained by UMVA, police responded to a call for an auto theft in the Donlands Ave.-O’Connor Drive area on Sunday at 11:38 p.m. The situation escalated when police attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, and the driver allegedly struck an officer.
An officer discharged their firearm, and the vehicle fled the scene. The officer was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the vehicle, a 12-year-old Toronto boy, was arrested a short distance away and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The officer has since been released from hospital. The 12-year-old driver has been charged with attempt murder, theft of motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation, fail to stop for police, assault peace officer, and leave accident scene.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken over the investigation. The officer involved was reportedly shaken but expected to recover.
The incident comes on the heels of a recent tragedy, as Toronto Police Const. Marc Pinizzotto was slain while attempting to serve a search warrant in an apartment in North York. A funeral for OPP Const. Tarun Bali, who was killed last week while on duty in northern Ontario, is also being held.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
