19 charged, including 10 minors, after violent night at Toronto beach
Police say they’ve made 19 arrests and seven officers were injured after a violent night at Toronto’s Woodbine Beach that saw two people shot, one person stabbed, two others robbed at gunpoint and running street battles involving fireworks through Sunday evening.
Video posted to social media showed groups of people firing Roman candles at one another, physical fights and crowds spilling onto streets.
A CP24 crew at the beach on Sunday night witnessed several incidents involving people firing fireworks from cars at people and other vehicles.
They said the area was so chaotic they could not set up a tripod and begin a broadcast.
Toronto police Insp. Jeff Bassingwaite said of the seven officers injured, one broke a leg in pursuit of a shooting suspect, and others were struck by multiple fireworks.
“One officer broke a leg while responding to a shooting,” he told reporters on Monday, “Two were injured by fireworks and another officer was struck directly in the face with a firework and suffered serious abrasions to his face ears and eyes.”
“This is unacceptable behaviour and we will continue to investigate all of these incidents.”
All seven officers have now been released from hospital.
Bassingwaite said they investigated a shooting that eventually sent two people to hospital, along with a separate stabbing at the beach and two robberies involving firearms in the course of several hours.
One shooting victim was located at the scene while a second made their own way to hospital.
A total of 19 people were arrested and charged, including 10 minors. The charges laid include common nuisance, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon and robbery.
Two of the accused individuals appeared in court on Monday and the rest will appear in court on either July 11, 12 or 13.
Toronto police told CP24 they are investigating several additional incidents they’ve been made aware of from Sunday, but couldn’t comment specifically on any instance until they obtain more information.
Toronto Mayor John Tory thanked police in a statement, calling the law-breaking "hooliganism."
"This is totally unacceptable behaviour and I support police doing all they can to protect people and keep the public safe. I discussed with (TPS) Chief Ramer this morning what additional steps could be taken to limit the presence of fireworks on our beaches and keep them safe going forward."
"Despite this hooliganism, officers were able to make arrests and make sure there are legal consequences for those breaking the law. I am thankful for the substantial presence of police and for the work they did under difficult circumstances."
On Monday, police said they will be at the scene with municipal bylaw enforcement officers to patrol the area.
“A number of police resources will be in the area tonight to facilitate what we hope can be a peaceful and safe celebration for the many people and families celebrating the long weekend,” Bassingwaite said.
A neighbourhood watch group in the area wrote to ward councillor Brad Bradford and Mayor John Tory, asking to cancel Monday night's fireworks.
"By the time the dust settled, there were two shootings, a stabbing, personal injuries and property damage," Cindy Cass, a local police community liaison, wrote. "I fear that tonight's fireworks display will result in the same or worse."
Monday’s fireworks will be set off Ashbridges Bay Park at 10 p.m.
Chief Ramer said police will be visible at the park tonight for the fireworks celebration.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.