Police evaluating 'potential risk' to public safety in the GTA
Toronto Police are increasing their presence in the city after receiving information that has been deemed a “potential risk” to the Greater Toronto Area.
Acting Superintendent Mike Barsky, Unit Commander of 52 Division Toronto Police, told reporters police are taking the risk “very seriously,” resulting in a greater visible police presence in the downtown core.
Earlier Thursday morning, Toronto Police confirmed they are responding “an unconfirmed, uncorroborated piece of information” that required the response.
We are responding to an unconfirmed, uncorroborated piece of information relating to the GTA. As a result of this information, you will see an increased number of police officers throughout the city and, specifically, in the downtown core ^sm
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) July 12, 2018
According to a memo obtained by Newstalk 1010 and Global News, the internal document confirms Toronto Police received a call on Wednesday, July 11 about a “potential vehicle ramming attack” at the CN Tower on Thursday, July 12.
#BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: A police source tells NEWSTALK 1010 a vehicle ramming attack threat was made in the area of the CN Tower. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/dGGLzV9E2N
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) July 12, 2018
Toronto Police responded to the release of the “draft operation plan,” adding that the public will be updated by the department “when necessary.”
This was a draft operational plan never approved. Our officers were provided with most up to date/accurate info this morning, as was public. Our current policing response in the downtown core is appropriate based on the info we have. We will update public as necessary ^sm
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) July 12, 2018
Additional officers can be seen in Toronto around key destinations in the city, including the Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, at the CN Tower, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Barsky is encouraging Torontonians and visitors to the city to go about their day, with businesses in the area remaining in full operation, including a Foo Fighters concert scheduled tonight at the Rogers Centre.
“It is information that causes us to determine it a potential risk to public safety,” Barsky said. “Toronto is one of the safest cities in the world and we want our community to enjoy that.”
York Regional Police have also been contacted about the ongoing “risk” and confirmed that there is increased police presence in the area outside the downtown core as well.
We would like our community to be aware of an increased police presence around York Region as a precaution after we received unconfirmed & uncorroborated information regarding the GTA. 1/2
— York Regional Police (@YRP) July 12, 2018
Public safety is our primary concern. We are working closely with emergency service partners across the GTA as we investigate & respond to the information we have received. We will be keeping the community informed through our website at https://t.co/kQznZaV4EP & social media
— York Regional Police (@YRP) July 12, 2018
The investigation is expected to continue throughout the day.
