TORONTO — A Toronto police officer has been charged under the Police Services Act after allegedly firing upwards of a dozen bullets at a vehicle in the Distillery District during an arrest in September.
Toronto police confirmed to Global News Wednesday that Const. Tash Baiati had been charged under the Police Services Act and would appear before a tribunal on March 10, but could not confirm what the exact charge or charges were.
On Sept. 16, police said a 60-year-old man was arrested following a police chase that involved an officer firing multiple rounds at the suspect’s stolen vehicle.
Officers responded to the theft of a silver Toyota Corolla at Bond Street and Shuter Street at about 12:05 p.m.
Once the vehicle was located, police attempted to stop the Toyota but the driver allegedly resisted and police said a firearm was discharged during the pursuit and attempted arrest of the suspect.
Three police cruisers rammed the Toyota, which had sustained heavy damage and was seen riddled with bullet holes, and police said the suspect abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot before officers arrested him at the intersection of Parliament Street and Mill Street.
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Edward Michael Skotnicki was arrested and charged with five offences including theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, flight while pursued by peace officer, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 17 and Sept. 24.
No injuries were reported in the incident but a witness reported hearing up to a dozen gunshots fired.
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Details of the officer’s case and are not available until he makes his first appearance in the tribunal according to Toronto police procedure.
Police said there will be a notice of hearing that will be made available that will provide more detail on the case and more information is set to be released on Thursday.
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