Driver charged after hitting pedestrian, storefront: Toronto police

Toronto police say an alleged impaired driver has been charged after hitting a pedestrian, and crashing into a drug store downtown.

Toronto Paramedics said they were called to Gerrard and Bay streets just after midnight Tuesday for reports of a 50-year-old man hit by a car.

Paramedics said the pedestrian sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a trauma centre.

Police said they were also called to Yonge and Carlton streets around 12:30 a.m. for a Honda that smashed into a Shoppers Drug Mart window.

Investigators said the man, who is believed to be involved in both incidents, was arrested at Dundas and Elizabeth streets.

Officers said they are unsure about the sequence of events but said the first call they received was for the pedestrian who was hit by a car.

The driver has been identified as 31-year-old Hozeir Kazemi.

He faces three charges, including leaving the scene of an accident, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and impaired driving, all causing bodily harm, investigators said.

Police said the driver was not injured. Kazemi is scheduled to appear in court.

Investigators are asking local residents, businesses, drivers or anyone in the area who may have seen what happened or have security or dashcam footage to call police.