Three People Arrested and One Sought in a Firearm Investigation, Dundas Street East and Sackville Street area

Three People Arrested and One Sought in a Firearm Investigation,
Dundas Street East and Sackville Street area

Broadcast time: 08:26 AM
Date: Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024
Unit: 51 Division
Case #: 2024-1808494 

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of three arrests made in a Firearm investigation.

On Sunday, August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:20 p.m., police were conducting a traffic stop in the Dundas Street East and Sackville Street area.

It is alleged that:

• officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Mercedes Benz, when the vehicle fled the area
• as the vehicle was fleeing from officers, it struck a TTC streetcar and another vehicle
• four suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot
• officers located two of the suspects and placed them under arrest
• officers from Emergency Task Force and Police Dog Services searched the area
• a third suspect was located and arrested

It is further alleged that:

• a Norinco Type 97 Assault Rifle was located inside the vehicle

Rahime Francis, 18, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
2. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
3. Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
4. Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
5. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
6. Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
7. three counts Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device

He appeared in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 106.

Kwabena Duodu, 21, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Window Obstructed
2. Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
3. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
4. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
5. Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
6. Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
7. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
8. Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
9. three counts Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device

He appeared in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 106.

A female youth, 17*, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
2. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
3. Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
4. Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
5. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
6. Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
7. three counts Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device

She appeared in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 606.

The suspect sought is described as male, Black, wearing a grey sweater with a small white logo on the front left chest area, light grey/white sweatpants, white shoes and a black balaclava.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), or at www.222tips.com.

*Please refer to Section 110, Subsection 1, of the YCJA:

110. (1) Subject to this section, no person shall publish the name of a young person, or any other information related to a young person, if it would identify the young person as a young person dealt with under this Act.

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Constable Shannon Eames for Detective Constable Matt Van Buskirk

Cram A Cruiser this weekend!

 Cram A Cruiser this weekend!

When:  SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 11 AM

Where:  NOFRILLS - 200 Front Street East at Princess Street

Why:  Donations to the TORONTO COUNCIL FIRE

NATIVE CULTURAL CENTRE

Counselling, material assistance and essential services to empower Indigenous community 

MOSS PARK Quarterly Community Meeting

MOSS PARK Quarterly Community Meeting

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

• Meet your Neighbourhood Community Officers (NCOs)

• Receive updates on critical incidents

• Ask questions

DATE: Monday August 19, 2024

TIME: 6-7PM

LOCATION: CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE 349 ONTARIO ST

For more information, you can reach us at mosspark@torontopolice.on.ca

The Village Quarterly Update Meeting

The Village Quarterly Update Meeting

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

• Meet your Neighbourhood Community Officers (NCOs)

• Receive updates on critical incidents

• Ask questions

DATE: THURSDAY AUGUST 15, 2024

TIME: 6PM

LOCATION: 560 CHURCH STREET

For more information, you can reach us at village@torontopolice.on.ca

Public Safety Alert, Taxi Scam, Images Released

Public Safety Alert, 
Taxi Scam,
Images Released

Broadcast time: 01:50 PM
Date: Tuesday, Aug 06, 2024
Unit: 22 Division
Case #: n/a 

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an ongoing taxi scam being committed in the South Etobicoke area of Toronto.

It is reported that:

• a vehicle resembling a taxi is parked in a high traffic area
• one suspect poses as the taxi driver and another poses as a customer
• the taxi driver refuses to take the other suspect's cash or the suspect claims their card is not working and they cannot pay the cab fare
• the unsuspecting victim offers to help by letting the suspect use their debit card to pay for the fare in exchange for cash
• the victim enters the PIN number for their debit card into a modified point of sale terminal
• the device records the card data and PIN number after the transaction is successful, the victim is given another bank card that resembles their own, and the victim accepts the cash from one suspect before leaving
• the suspects are now in possession of the victim's debit card and use the PIN to make a number of fraudulent purchases and/or withdrawals

The suspects have been known to use the following vehicles:

• blue Honda Civic
• blue Honda Accord
• silver Chevrolet Malibu
• black Honda Accord

The vehicle may or may not have a taxi sign affixed to the roof.

Images of the suspects have been released.

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant when using any type of public transport that results in debit or credit card transactions.

Some tips include:

• do not leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a point of sale terminal
• be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services
• be aware of the driver's identification that is displayed to the customer in clear view in the rear of the cab
• if there is an error code, or the debit machine is not functioning, always REMOVE your debit card before returning the machine for assistance
• do not make payments for an unknown person, using your personal card, in exchange for cash
• inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card
• cover your fingers when entering your PIN

Anyone who has information, or believes they have been a victim of a taxi scam, is urged to contact police.

If you are a victim of any related scam, please contact the police at 416-808-2200 to report the incident, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Shannon Eames for Detective Constable Everett Dunbar

Images for this release are available on our website.

News Release - City of Toronto parking fines to increase on August 1 to support safer roads and reduce congestion

News Release - City of Toronto parking fines to increase on August 1 to support safer roads and reduce congestion

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release  July 29, 2024 

City of Toronto parking fines to increase on August 1 to support safer roads and reduce congestion 

On August 1, the City of Toronto will increase parking fines for 123 offences to help curb illegal parking, stopping and standing in designated areas. Increasing fines can help reduce congestion by discouraging drivers from parking and stopping their vehicles in high-traffic areas and encouraging people to consider other modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transit to promote a smoother flow of traffic.    

Some examples of the increased and new fines include: 
•    parking without paying at a parking meter (increase from $30 to $50). 
•    parking a prohibited vehicle on a bicycle path (increase from $60 to $200). 
•    non-electric vehicles or electric vehicles parked and not actively charging in an electric vehicle charging stall will be issued a $75 fine. 

The fine increases (https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/9022-backgroundfile-245028.pdf) were approved by Toronto City Council in April following a comprehensive review by City staff that determined increasing parking violation fines would better align the City with fines that are set to an appropriate level based on the seriousness of an offence and could reduce and discourage illegal parking habits, aiming to keep the City moving and safe.  

The City does not communicate parking violations or penalties of any kind via text message. Residents are urged to treat such messages as fraudulent.   

To pay or dispute a parking violation, visit the City’s Parking Violations webpage: http://toronto.ca/parkingviolations.

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

- 30 - 

Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca   

Back To School Campaign

Please help support students in need! 

@TPS51Div is seeking back-to-school donations for low-income families.

Needed: 

🎒 backpacks (especially!!!)

🖍️ school supplies

🎁 gift 💳 cards

Donations can be dropped off at 51 Division, 51 Parliament St, until August 23.

Fatal Collision #25/2024, Queen Street East and Sackville Street, Update

Fatal Collision #25/2024,
Queen Street East and Sackville Street,
Update

Broadcast time: 05:13 PM
Date: Saturday, Jul 20, 2024
Unit: Traffic Services
Case #: 2024-1569684

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, at approximately 5:47 p.m., police received a report of a collision involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian on Queen Street East and Sackville Street.

It is reported that:

• a 42 year-old woman was crossing Queen Street East near Sackville Street in a southbound direction at a pedestrian crosswalk
• a 70 year-old man was operating a 2017 Black Cadillac sedan travelling westbound on Queen Street East
• the pedestrian was struck by the Cadillac within the pedestrian crosswalk 
• the pedestrian was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased 

See previous release.

It is further reported that:

• the 42 year-old woman who succumbed to her injuries was pregnant at the time of the collision
• life saving measures were performed to deliver and save the infant
• on Friday, July 19, 2024, the infant succumbed to her injuries

The investigation is ongoing by members of Traffic Services.

Police are asking local residents, business and drivers, who may have security or dash camera footage of the area or incident, to contact investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Laurie McCann for Detective Constable Fas Butt

Man Arrested in Theft of Vehicle investigation, Yonge Street and Dundas Street East area, South Drive and Sherbourne Street area

Man Arrested in Theft of Vehicle investigation,
Yonge Street and Dundas Street East area,
South Drive and Sherbourne Street area

Broadcast time: 04:50 PM
Date: Tuesday, Jul 02, 2024
Unit: 51 Division, 53 Division
Case #: 2024- 1437868 

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Theft of Vehicle investigation.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at approximately 1:40 a.m., police responded to a call for a theft of vehicle in the Yonge Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is alleged that:

• the victim briefly exited their vehicle while it was still running
• the suspect jumped into the vehicle and drove away
• the victim got into another vehicle and followed his vehicle to the South Drive and Sherbourne Street area
• a collision occurred with several vehicles including the stolen vehicle
• two properties on South Drive were damaged

Police arrived on scene and a man was arrested. He was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries received during the collision.

Malik Young, 19, of Toronto, has been charged with:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
• Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
• Fail to Comply Undertaking

He was scheduled to appear in court at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 106.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100 or 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Caroline de Kloet for Detective Constable Raphael Fixton Waugh

Pride Toronto Road Closures: Pride StreetFair, Pride Trans March, Pride Dyke March, and Pride Parade, Friday, June 28, 2024 to Monday, July 1, 2024

Pride Toronto Road Closures: 
Pride StreetFair, Pride Trans March, Pride Dyke March, and Pride Parade,
Friday, June 28, 2024 to Monday, July 1, 2024

Broadcast time: 09:52 AM
Date: Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024
Unit: Emergency Management & Public Order
Case #: N/A

Please see below for road closures associated with the following Pride Toronto events: Pride StreetFair, Pride Trans March, Pride Dyke March, and the Pride Parade. Vehicles should expect traffic delays during these events, which will take place rain or shine. TTC routes may also be impacted.

Pride StreetFair

Pride Toronto is celebrating Pride Month with a StreetFair in the Church and Wellesley Village community. Road closures for the StreetFair will begin on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 8 a.m., and will conclude on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 7 a.m.

On Friday, June 28, 2024, at 8 a.m., Church Street will be fully closed to all vehicular traffic from the north side of Dundas Street East to the south side of Hayden Street. Wellesley Street East will also be closed from Yonge Street to Jarvis Street during this time period.

Pride Trans March

The Pride Toronto Trans March is taking place on Friday, June 28, 2024. This event will commence with a rally at 7 p.m. at the north end of the Pride StreetFair at Church Street and Hayden Street. The march will step off at 8 p.m., from that location.

Road closures will take place along the route including:

• Bloor Street East from Church Street to Yonge Street 
• Yonge Street from Bloor Street East to Gould Street
• Gould Street from Yonge Street to Church Street
• Church Street from Gould Street to Bloor Street East

Pride Dyke March

The Pride Toronto Dyke March is taking place on Saturday, June 29, 2024. This event will commence with a rally at 1 p.m., at the north end of the Pride Street Fair at Church Street and Hayden Street. The march will step off at 2 p.m., from that location and will proceed along the following route:

• Bloor Street East from Church Street to Yonge Street 
• Yonge Street from Bloor Street East to Gould Street
• Gould Street from Yonge Street to Church Street
• Church Street from Gould Street to Bloor Street East

A full closure of these roads will take place at 1 p.m., and will remain in effect until the conclusion of the march at approximately 6 p.m.

Pride Parade

The Pride Parade is taking place on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The parade will start forming along Rosedale Valley Road at approximately 8 a.m.

Road closures will include:

At 8 a.m., road closures will come into effect on:

• Rosedale Valley Road, from Park Road to Bayview Avenue

At 12 p.m., road closures will come into effect on:

• Park Road from Rosedale Valley Road to Bloor Street East
• Church Street from Park Road to Hayden Street
• Bloor Street East from Yonge Street to Ted Rogers Way

At 1:30 p.m., road closures will come into effect on:

• Bloor Street West from Bay Street to Ted Rogers Way
• Yonge Street from Bloor Street West to Queen Street West
• Dundas Street West from University Avenue to Victoria Street
• Bay Street from Queen Street to Dundas Street

All roads are expected to be re-opened at approximately 8 p.m.

Happy Pride!

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Constable Sinderela Chung for Constable Matthew Harpell

Public Safety Alert, Overdoses Caused by a Suspicious Drug, Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue area

Public Safety Alert,
Overdoses Caused by a Suspicious Drug,
Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue area

Broadcast time: 08:52 PM
Date: Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024
Unit: 13 Division
Case #: N/A

The Toronto Police Service would like to warn the public of suspected overdoses that appear to be caused by a suspicious drug.

From June 9 to 11, 2024, police responded to four overdose calls in the Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue West area.

It is reported that:

• four people consumed a quantity of an unknown narcotic
• the narcotic is suspected to be an opioid
• three of the people died from ingesting this unknown drug
• as the drug was consumed before police arrived, there is no description of it at this time

Investigators are concerned there may be more of this suspicious drug sold or given to others.

The Toronto Police Service wants to remind people that if they are taking drugs to use extreme caution and do not take them alone.

If anyone suffers serious illness after consuming a narcotic, they should attend a hospital emergency room, call 9-1-1, or go to a walk-in clinic immediately for treatment. For a referral to a substance use treatment facility, visit Connex Ontario or call 211 or the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 1-800-463-2338.

For more information about overdose prevention and response, please visit the Toronto Public Health website.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Laurie McCann for Detective Constable Patricia McRae

Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police Service launch Downtown CORE Team pilot program to support vulnerable groups in Yonge and Dundas area

Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police Service launch Downtown CORE Team pilot program to support vulnerable groups in Yonge and Dundas area

Broadcast time: 09:05 AM
Date: Wednesday, Jun 05, 2024
Unit: Corporate Communications
Case #: N/A

Today, Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the Toronto Police Service (TPS) launched the Downtown Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Team, a one-year pilot program to support vulnerable people, as well as other residents, visitors and businesses in the Yonge and Dundas area.

Designed to address the complex health, mental health, substance use and housing needs of vulnerable individuals in this neighbourhood, the Downtown CORE Team will provide proactive support to improve access to health and social services. The Downtown CORE Team is not an emergency crisis response service and is not reachable through 911 or 211.

Led by a specialized team of public health nurses and supported by a nurse practitioner, the program will provide short-term case managemen[ES1] t, health and social service referrals, as well as overdose and substance use responses. TPS officers will support these efforts to ensure safety for the team, members of the public and those receiving support. All team members will receive training in trauma-informed practices, harm reduction approaches and healing-centred engagement, to create environments that support holistic well-being for individuals.

The Downtown CORE Team will collaborate with organizations and initiatives already operating in the Yonge and Dundas area, including the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area, Toronto Community Crisis Service, Gerstein Crisis Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University and Unity Health Toronto.

Data and feedback will be gathered throughout the pilot program through regular consultations with community partners, including individuals with lived experience of substance use and frontline services providers.

The City of Toronto is committed to strengthening and protecting the mental health, wellbeing and safety of all Torontonians.

More information is available on the Our Health, Our City webpage and the SafeTO: A Community Safety & Well-Being Plan webpage.

Quotes:

"The mental health and addiction crises in our city are not only chronic but complex, demanding immediate and innovative interventions. By fostering partnerships between healthcare professionals, the business community, Toronto Police Service and the City of Toronto, we demonstrate our shared commitment to treating these crises as health matters, rather than criminal ones. The Board of Health and Toronto Public Health remain steadfast advocates for holistic, evidence-based healthcare services, inclusive of prevention, treatment and harm reduction. We continue to urge the provincial government to increase funding and access to a wide array of treatment options, such as the essential implementation of 24/7 stabilization crisis centres. Together, we can turn the tide on these pressing issues affecting our communities."
- Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Board of Health

"Situations involving unmet health needs, mental health and substance use issues, and homelessness in Downtown Toronto create significant challenges for vulnerable populations, residents, visitors, and businesses, impacting the overall sense of safety and community well-being. The Downtown CORE Team addresses these issues with skill and compassion, improving access to vital health and social services for marginalized individuals to reduce their vulnerability and the need for emergency assistance."
- Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto Medical Officer of Health

"Community safety and well-being challenges across the downtown core are a prominent concern for our Service and we know that no single city service has the capacity to resolve this immediate and ongoing need. We look forward to working in partnership with Toronto Public Health on the Downtown CORE Team pilot program to help address this need. Our Service values this partnership, seeking to improve levels of community safety and wellbeing in the downtown core, while employing a public health framework and a collaborative and evidence-informed approach."
- Chief Myron Demkiw, Toronto Police Service

For more information please contact: Toronto Public Health Media Relations, TPHmedia@toronto.ca or Toronto Police Service Corporate Communciations corpcomm@tps.ca.

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Ashling Murphy for Staff Superintendent Kelly Skinner

Toronto Police Service Launches Because of the Line of Duty Memorial

Toronto Police Service Launches Because of the Line of Duty Memorial

Broadcast time: 10:23 AM
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Unit: Corporate Communications
Case #: n/a

Toronto Police Service members who lost their lives Because of the Line of Duty are being honoured with a new memorial.

"It's important to acknowledge the tragic sacrifice that so many policing members have made in the course of their duties," said Chief Myron Demkiw. "Police officers respond to situations that expose them to trauma on a regular basis that can accumulate and have a significant impact on their wellbeing."

A Because of the Line of Duty Death defined as an injury or trauma, sustained during the course of a member's duties, where it has been determined to be a significant contributing factor in their death. These deaths can be caused by an operational stress injury from a single event or trauma accumulated over their careers.

The first officers added to the memorial in a ceremony on May 2, 2024 are:

• Chief John Chisholm
• Sergeant Michael Pedley
• Staff Sergeant Edward Adamson
• Constable Darius Garda

This new initiative was presented to the Toronto Police Service Board today.

"My message to members is to recognize that you do incredible work, incredibly challenging work that will expose you to difficult circumstances. And it's important that we all can acknowledge that it's okay not to be okay," said Demkiw. "Today is a step forward for this organization to honour those who have passed because of the line of duty. It's important for us to focus on destigmatizing self-care surrounding mental health. The suffering caused by operational stress injuries is something we need to address as a policing community and as a society."

Chief Demkiw said there now many avenues to get help through wellness programs but there needs to be a safe space created for people to step forward.

"It's important for us to be able speak in their workplaces and feel safe about acknowledging the realities our members face when they go to work every day and we need to focus on our own self-care and support one another. No one should feel alone."

The memorial is now available at www.tps.ca/honour-wallalong with members who sacrificed their lives In the Line of Duty and in World War I and World War II. The procedure for requesting TPS members to be added to the memorial as well as the application are available on this webpage. The physical memorial at Toronto Police Headquarters will be redeveloped to include the newest memorial.

The development of this memorial has been years in the making with the consultation of family members of those who have died, mental health experts, Wounded Warriors Canada, Toronto Beyond the Blue, the Toronto Police Association and through a settlement with the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

"It memorializes their service and their dedication to policing," said Toronto Police Association President Jon Reid. "This is critically important for the Toronto Police Association as we work every day to destigmatize mental health in policing. Not only do we want our members to feel comfortable putting their hand up for support, but we want our members to feel comfortable checking in on each other."

The Toronto Police Service recognizes the impact and prevalence of operational stress injuries for our members. Due to the nature of police work, members are routinely exposed to traumatic events, dynamic and high-stress situations. As a result member mental health can be chronically affected and in some tragic circumstances, result in death by suicide.

If you need help or know someone who does, remember you are not alone.

• Call 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Toronto Police Members can reach out to the Wellness Unit at 416-808-7171

At the May 2nd ceremony at Toronto Police Service Headquarters, members and dignitaries joined the families of police officers being added to the memorial for a ceremony honouring their sacrifice. Media can have unrestricted access to this video of the ceremony and can request a clean version by emailing CorporateCommunications@torontopolice.on.ca.

Statements from Family Members:

"Darius was an empathetic and passionate person who we miss very much. The memorial is bittersweet tribute to the police members that we have lost. We celebrate their lives and grieve their deaths as members of their families but also as part of a larger police community who is hurting. We want policing members to know that they can get the help they need so they can continue to serve others," said Dilnaz Garda, sister of Police Constable Darius Garda.

"My father was very proud of his role at a Toronto police officer and very proud of the police force that he led. We're proud as a family of him and the example he set for all of us generations onward - he taught us a great deal about hard work and leading a fulfilling life. We hope this memorial brings attention to the work that police officers do every day and the challenges they face," said Alan Chisholm, son of Chief John Chisholm.

"My father was my hero. As a family we are very proud of him and want people to know him as a dedicated father and police officer. When you lose a loved one in your life to suicide you feel so alone. But the memorial lets us and other families know that they are not alone and they are supported by a larger community. We hope that it will serve to erase stigma around seeking mental health support. We do not want any other family to experience such a devastating loss," said Melissa Busby, daughter of Sergeant Michael Pedley.

"I am very happy that Ed is being remembered for his contribution to the Toronto Police Service. He loved his work and his colleagues. The memorial ceremony was a fitting tribute to him. It was a wonderful day that I will never forget and cherish with all my heart," said Linda Adamson, wife of Staff Sergeant Edward Adamson.

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Devika Deonarine for 

Images for this release are available on our website.

2023 Annual Hate Crime Report Released, with 47 percent Increase in Reported Hate Crimes

2023 Annual Hate Crime Report Released, with 47 percent Increase in Reported Hate Crimes

Broadcast time: 10:28 AM
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Unit: Intelligence Services
Case #: N/A

Today the Toronto Police Service presented its Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report, outlining an increase in hate crime reporting over the year before.

The 2023 Report identified a 47% increase (248 in 2022 and 365 in 2023) in the number of reported hate crimes, with global events contributing to the increase.

Of note in 2023:

• 59 people were charged in relation to 61 occurrences, resulting in 156 charges. 22 of the 63 occurrences (35%) reported on or after October 7, 2023
• Hate crime reporting for offences committed online or via telecommunications doubled in 2023 when compared with 2022
• 14% of the reported hate crimes occurred at or on public transit locations, representing a 52% increase compared to the previous year reporting
• 18% of reported hate crimes occurred at or on school property, representing a 23% increase compared to 2022

In 2023, the Jewish community, 2SLGBTQ+ community followed by the Black community and Muslim community, were the most frequently victimized groups. Mischief to property, assault and uttering threats were the most commonly reported criminal offences motivated by hate.

"Hate crimes have an impact that is much larger than the singular offence, whether it be graffiti, harassment or an assault, the impact is felt not only by the individual, but also their family, friends, and community as a whole," said Deputy Chief Rob Johnson during his presentation to the Toronto Police Services Board today.

He added: "We know that hate crimes often go unreported and our Service is committed to ongoing education initiatives to address this issue. Community members are encouraged to report incidents of hate, prejudice and bias to police with the goal of working together with our Service to eliminate these crimes."

Some of the proactive initiatives the Service has implemented include:

• Hate Crime awareness video series
• Hate Motivated Graffiti reporting form on tps.ca
• TPS Hate Crime dashboard
• Translation of the Hate Crime education pamphlet
• Humber College poster challenge

The Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report provides data about criminal offences that are committed against persons or property which are motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on the victim's race, nationality or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender orientation or expression, or any other similar factor.

The data is based on hate crimes reported to the Toronto Police Service between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

The report can be found on page 46 of today's agenda and will be published on the Service's website in the coming days.

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Ashling Murphy for Detective Kiran Bisla

Road Closure, Bike for Brain Health, Sunday, June 2, 2024

Road Closure,
Bike for Brain Health,
Sunday, June 2, 2024

Broadcast time: 01:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Unit: Emergency Management & Public Order
Case #: N/A

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, the "Bike for Brain Health" event will be held. The following road closures will be taking place starting at 12 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Don Valley Parkway from Gardiner Expressway to York Mills Road
• Gardiner Expressway from South Kingsway to Don Valley Parkway
• additional roads surrounding Exhibition Place

Motorists can expect significant delays in the downtown core, particularly on the arterial roadways. 

Alternative routes and public transportation are strongly recommended.

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Constable Laurie McCann for Constable Matthew Harpell

Upcoming Neighbourhood Community Officers’ Quarterly Community Meetings

Upcoming Neighbourhood Community Officers’ Quarterly Community Meetings:

NORTH ST. JAMESTOWN/ CABBAGETOWN:

DATE: Friday May 31st, 2024

TIME: 7:00 PM - 08:00 PM

LOCATION: Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne St.

REGENT PARK:

DATE: Monday June 3, 2024

TIME: 5PM

LOCATION: 150 River Street

WATERFRONT:

DATE: Friday June 14, 2024

TIME: 6PM

LOCATION: St. Lawrence Community Centre,

230 The Espanade

MOSS PARK:

DATE: Monday, June 17, 2024

TIME: 7PM

LOCATION: Central Neighbourhood House,

349 Ontario Street

YONGE STREET:

DATE: TUESDAY, June 18, 2024

TIME: 3PM

LOCATION: Holiday Inn, 30 Carlton St, 2nd Flr

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New Location for Pedestrian and Cyclist Reporting Centre Kiosk

New Location for Pedestrian and Cyclist Reporting Centre Kiosk

Broadcast time: 04:42 PM
Date: Friday, May 24, 2024
Unit: Traffic Services
Case #: N/A

Starting on Monday May 27, 2024, the Pedestrian and Cyclist Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) kiosk will relocate to Toronto Police 14 Division, located at 350 Dovercourt Rd.

This new location is centralized and closer to pedestrians and cyclists wishing to report a collision. This CRC kiosk will only take reports from pedestrians and cyclists who were involved in a collision. The kiosk's hours of operation will remain the same:

• Pedestrian and Cyclist Centre Reporting kiosk

350 Dovercourt Rd

Toronto, M6J 3E3

416-516-3767

Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Closed on weekends and holidays

There are no changes to the Toronto East Collision Reporting Centre or Toronto North Collision Reporting Centre. Drivers must continue to attend one of the two following locations:

• East Collision Reporting Centre

39 Howden Road

Scarborough, M1R 3C7

416-808-4960

Monday to Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

• North Collision Reporting Centre

113 Toryork Drive

North York, M9L 1X9

416-808-3960

Monday to Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

For more information on Collision Reporting please visit www.tps.ca/services/collision-reporting/

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Constable Laurie McCann for Constable Giancarlo Marrelli