A 12-year-old boy is facing multiple charges after a Toronto police officer was seriously injured during an incident involving a stolen vehicle in East York early Monday morning.
Police were called to the area of Donlands Avenue and O’Connor Drive shortly after 1 a.m. following reports of a stolen vehicle. During an attempt to stop the vehicle, officers discharged their firearms, and the driver allegedly struck an officer before fleeing.
The injured officer was found near the Leaside Bridge and transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.
The investigation later moved to a second location near Mortimer Avenue and Donlands Avenue, where officers located the stolen vehicle and arrested the driver. The 12-year-old suspect was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and remains in custody. Authorities have not confirmed whether the injuries were caused by gunfire.
The Special Investigations Unit launched an investigation because police fired their weapons and a civilian was injured. Authorities said two additional occupants, aged 12 and 14, were also inside the vehicle at the time.
The accused youth has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a vehicle, failure to stop for police, attempted murder, assaulting a peace officer, and leaving the scene of an accident. His identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.