Motorcyclist sought after Toronto cop seriously injured in hit-and-run

Toronto police are looking for a motorcyclist who they say struck and seriously injured an officer attempting to pull him over near Rogers Centre Saturday evening.

The collision happened at Bremner Boulevard and Rees Street around 6 p.m.

Police said a motorcycle was observed "popping wheelies" in the area of Lake Shore Boulevard Avenue West and Rees Street prior to the collision.

Shortly, an officer tried to stop the motorcycle but was struck, police said. The motorcyclist subsequently fled the scene. It is unknown in which direction the motorcyclist was last seen heading.

Police are investigating a hit-and-run in downtown Toronto that seriously injured an officer on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. (Joshua Freeman/CP24)

The officer was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Duty Insp. Scott Shutt said the officer's injuries are no longer life-threatening and that he's in good spirits and doing well.

"It's obviously a dangerous situation whenever an officer's out on foot dealing with vehicles, motorcyclists especially. In this case, the motorcyclist ran over an officer, causing serious injuries," Shutt said.

"Whenever an officer directs a vehicle to stop, they should do so immediately, putting the officer out of risk and also the drivers."

Police have released a photo of the motorcycle, which is a red and blue sports bike, and the rider, who was last seen wearing a green helmet, a blue and green shirt, gray pants, red gloves, and white and gray Nike Jordan shoes.

Police are searching for a motorcyclist who they say ran over a cop in downtown Toronto on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. (Toronto Police Service)

"We don't have a license plate at this point, so it's still difficult (to locate him)," Shutt said. "It's a very distinct outfit, so I'm hopeful we'll be able to either track him down via other video surveillance footage or by people providing tips."

He urged the driver to get a lawyer and surrender to the police.

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw posted to X that he was thankful the officer was recovering following the incident.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the motorcyclist is asked to contact them at 416-808-1900 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.