Toronto police chief apologizes, board chair asks that 'cooler heads prevail' after Zameer acquittal
Toronto’s police chief is apologizing for comments he made in the wake of a not guilty verdict in the death of a police officer, while the city’s police service board chair called for cooler heads to prevail as the service wrestles with the fallout of the case.
Chief Myron Demkiw said he regrets wishing for a different outcome in the case against Umar Zameer outside the courthouse earlier this month.
“As you know, it’s been a particularly difficult week for our service and our members, and also there have been some painful public conversations,” Demkiw said.
“I fully understand the concerns that have been expressed, and I’ve been reflecting on my comments as the chief of police. I apologize for my first words in the moments outside the courthouse.
“I want to be very clear that I accept and respect the decision of the jury. As I’ve said over and over, closure can never come at the expense of justice,” he said.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw attends a press conference in Toronto on Monday, May 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
The comments from the leadership came in the first Toronto Police Services Board meeting after Umar Zameer was acquitted of first-degree murder in the 2021 death of Det. Const. Jeffrey Northrup, in a hearing where the judge highlighted to the jury potential collusion among witness officers whose testimony didn’t match physical evidence.
But those comments are a sign the police leadership hasn’t taken seriously how damaging the conduct in the Zameer case is to the reputation of the police service, said Rahim Shakir of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
“It’s important that both the board and the board chair play a public and visible role in responding to a crisis of public trust in this nature,” Shakir said in an interview.
“Cooler heads prevailing means that instead of reflexively defending a chief of police, an oversight body would say they see and hear the public’s concerns and should respond,” Shakir said.
Zameer’s laywer had pointed out at court that Zameer was visiting downtown Toronto for Canada Day with his pregnant wife and child when Northrup was run over by his BMW. He thought he was being attacked and drove off, without realizing Northrup and his partner were plainclothes police officers or realizing that he had run over Northrup.
Even though Zameer’s wife had given a statement to the police in the early morning following the crash, none of that information was relayed by then police chief James Ramer, who told media that Zameer was accused of an “intentional and deliberate act.”
Appearing virtually at the meeting, board chair Ann Morgan said she supports the reviews proposed by Demkiw, one on the investigation itself by the OPP, and another on plainclothes policies, and called Northrup’s death a “terrible tragedy.”
“I want to add that in the last short while there have been many charged and emotional views on this matter. I am asking our community to let cooler heads prevail,” she said.
Umar Zameer and his lawyers walk away from the courthouse following his not guilty verdict, in Toronto, Sunday, April 21, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
Severe thunderstorms set to hit some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind and severe thunderstorms across Canada.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Richard M. Sherman, who wrote songs for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' dies at 95
Richard M. Sherman, who helped write the songs for 'Mary Poppins,' 'The Jungle Book' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, 'It's a Small World (After All)' — died at 95.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.