One suspect is in custody after a police pursuit ended in a daylight shooting in downtown Toronto.
The incident occurred in the area of Parliament Street and Lake Shore Boulevard shortly after noon on Wednesday.
Edward Michael Skotnicki, 60, had allegedly stolen a car near the intersection of Bond and Shuter streets and was being pursued by two police cruisers. The chase ended at the intersection of Parliament and Mill streets.
Officers at the scene discharged their weapons a total of 15 times after Skotnicki allegedly tried to run one of them over with the stolen vehicle.
“(Police) shot up the engine bay and they shot out his tires and they were actually able to pull him out of the vehicle,” Jason Theodorakidis who was standing at a parking lot in the intersection and witnessed the confrontation. “The intensity of the gunshots was pretty crazy.”
None of the bullets hit the suspect, who was quickly taken into custody.
Skotnicki is facing a total of five charges including theft over $5,000, flight while pursued by peace officer, and dangerous driving.
While no one was injured during the incident, local residents and passersby said they were shocked that the shooting happened in broad daylight at such a busy intersection.
Shannon Ferguson, a passerby who witnessed the incident, said she heard the gunfire and saw “everyone just screaming and running through the park.”
Parliament Street is currently closed between Lake Shore and Mill Street. TTC buses are diverting in the area until police clear the scene.
Skotnicki will appear in court tomorrow.
With a report from John Musselman
