A 12-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after Toronto police said an officer was struck by a stolen vehicle during an early-morning auto theft investigation in East York on Monday.
Police said officers were called to the area of Donlands Avenue and O’Connor Drive shortly after 1 a.m. for a report of a stolen vehicle. According to police, officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly fled the scene.
During the encounter, officers discharged their firearms toward the vehicle. Police said the vehicle struck an officer before leaving the area. The officer suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police later located the vehicle a second time. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Special Investigations Unit, Ontario’s police watchdog, has launched an investigation into the incident. The SIU said the injured officer has since been released from hospital.
The agency also said it remains unclear whether the boy was shot by police during the incident.
Police said one suspect remains outstanding. Investigators have not released a description of the person they are still seeking. No additional details have been released.
12-Year-Old Cannot Be Named Under Youth Criminal Justice Act
The accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Toronto police said the boy has been charged with attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property over $5,000, dangerous operation, fail to stop for police, assaulting a peace officer and leaving the scene of an accident.
Toronto Police Operations first reported the officer-injury call on social media, saying officers responded to Donlands Avenue and O’Connor Drive at 1:04 a.m. for a vehicle theft call. Police said officers attempted to stop the vehicle, fired toward it, and the vehicle struck an officer before fleeing.
In a later update, police confirmed the charges against the 12-year-old boy and said more information would follow in a media release.
The SIU investigates incidents involving police in Ontario when there has been death, serious injury, allegations of sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
Its investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the police firearm discharge, the officer’s injuries and the injuries suffered by the accused youth.
The case now moves forward under both the youth criminal justice system and the SIU’s independent investigative process. Police have not said when further details about the outstanding suspect or the sequence of events will be released.
