A break-and-enter investigation turned into a violent clash between cops and two robbery suspects, when a Peel Regional Police cruiser was smashed and an officer fired his gun during the confrontation late Thursday night.
Peel police responded to a call at about 10:37 p.m., near The Queensway and Cawthra Road in Mississauga, when they found a computer store with damage to its front window.
Police said a number of laptops were stolen from the store after two men driving a white van drove the vehicle through the front window.
The two suspects were spotted leaving the scene in a white vehicle. A responding officer attempted to stop them near The East Mall, several blocks east of the scene of the robbery.
Wayne Patterson, spokesman for the Peel Regional Police, said the van stopped for the officer, but attempted to flee as the officer approached on foot.
The van reversed violently, crashing into the cruiser, and fled the scene. The officer fired his gun in self defence during the incident, police confirmed.
The cruiser was rendered useless and the officer was forced to call for back up, Patterson said.
The officer, who was alone at the time, was not injured during the incident.
Toronto police units joined Peel police to search the Thursday night, but did not find the suspects.
Patterson said it is too soon to say what charges the suspects would face, but notes they were fleeing the scene of a crime.
Police are asking for assistance finding the suspects, both white males, and the vehicle.
The suspects were last seen driving a white van with significant damage to the rear. The van has stolen Ontario licence plates reading 622 6WC.
There may be some bullet holes in the van, Patterson said.
Police advise anyone who spots the vehicle no to approach it, as its occupants are considered dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked contact investigators at (905) 453-2121, ext. 1233. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
