SIU investigating after man seriously injured following police chase
Ontario's police watchdog is investigating after a man was seriously hurt in Toronto Thursday afternoon after he was chased down and Tasered by police.
According to a news release from the Special Investigations Unit, police first started pursuing a 33-year-old man after he allegedly stole a vehicle in Whitby Thursday morning.
The driver eventually crashed in the area of Neilson Road and Finch Avenue East in Scarborough and then ran off, the SIU says.
The man then allegedly stole a delivery truck, according to the news release, and was chased down by officers from Durham, York and Toronto police.
The man then stopped in the area of Brimley Road and Ellesmere Road before running off once again.
After another foot chase, an officer shot a Taser at the man.
"He was arrested and taken to hospital where he remains," the SIU said.
Two investigators and two forensic investigators are assigned to the case. The SIU did not say how many officers are being investigated or which department they work with.
The SIU investigates when people are killed or seriously injured in interactions with law enforcement in Ontario. The agency is asking anyone who might have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact its lead investigators.
Man allegedly stole other vehicles earlier in the week
Durham police had previously chased the man late Monday, when officers spotted him near Consumers Drive and Garden Street in Whitby driving a vehicle that was allegedly involved in a carjacking in Brampton, police said in a news release Thursday.
"Police attempted to block the vehicle in, and as they approached, the suspect rammed two police cruisers in an attempt to evade police," the release said. "The suspect vehicle pinned one of the officers exiting their vehicle before fleeing."
That officer suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and the chase was called off to protect the public.
Then, just after midnight on Tuesday, police responded to an alleged robbery around Lowder Place and Bellwood Drive in Whitby. Police believe the same suspect was responsible for this call.
In this instance, the suspect allegedly pulled a knife on a couple and stole their car.
"When the victims attempted to intervene, the suspect rammed the vehicle into their residence and other vehicles," police said. Another chase began but was also abandoned because of the suspect's dangerous driving, police said.
Durham police say the man has been charged with 63 offences, including aggravated assault of a peace officer, dangerous operation causing bodily harm, theft of a motor vehicle and flight from police, among others.
