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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.