Full Court Press Takes Guns Off Streets

Experiencing a sharp increase in firearm discharges in 41 Division in the month of August, a high-visibility strategy was launched to curb violence.

“We utilized a whole-division approach, deploying Community Policing Initiatives in key areas, supported by our Forensic Identification Officers, Crime Managers and Analysts, Neighbourhood Community Officers, the Major Crime Unit and Primary Unit officers” said Inspector Roger Forde. “This full court press focused our resources and attention where they were most needed.”

In a three-week span in September, police seized six firearms, arrested eight individuals and laid 64 charges.

On September 3, a man was walking in the area of Birchmount Rd. and Eglinton Ave. E. when an officers observed him displaying characteristics of an armed person. When officers attempted to speak with him, he fled on foot and dropped a firearm. He was arrested after a brief foot pursuit and the Glock 19 with an extended magazine was recovered.

Ten days later, a man operating a vehicle in the Birchmount Rd. and Lawrence Ave. E. area was seen driving a vehicle under the speed limit and swerving within the lane.

Believing the driver was impaired, officers initiated an investigation and located two loaded firearms and illegal drugs in the vehicle.

On September 24, a dispute between two groups broke out on the property of a high school. A Neighbourhood Community Officer in the area observed the altercation and intervened.

Information was relayed to the officer that the accused was in possession of a firearm that was recovered in his waistband.

The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber, and a quantity of drugs was located on the man and nearby.

On September 29, NCO officers arrested a male on an unplated motorcycle near Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. In his backpack, officers found a firearm, money and pills.

“The response from our frontline officers has been nothing short of exceptional,” added Forde. “Their actions reflect the professionalism, vigilance and dedication that define 41 Division’s commitment to community safety.”