Toronto police say a driver is facing a slew of charges in a crash that took a turn after investigators allege he fled the scene and then punched a father who was taking his children out of a parked car.
Police said the initial crash happened near Danforth and Jones avenues at around 8:23 p.m. Monday when a blue BMW was seen speeding eastbound on Danforth Avenue.
The BMW then crossed over to the westbound lanes crashing head-on into a blue Hyundai, police said.
The driver of the BMW then got out of the car and ran away from the scene, police said, leaving behind his passenger.
That passenger, a 22-year-old man, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said. The 39-year-old driver in the Hyundai was rushed to hospital with serious, life-altering injuries.
After the crash, police allege the BMW driver then ran to the area of Seymour and Shundell avenues where a father was taking his children out of a parked car.
“Without provocation, the driver punched the father in the back of the head,” police said.
Investigators allege the driver then turned his attention to a child, grabbing them and damaging the vehicle.
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Neighbours, including an off-duty police officer, heard the children screaming and ran to help, investigators said.
Police said when the neighbours approached the suspect, he backed away and then dropped his pants exposing himself while doing “an indecent act.”
When responding officers arrived, police allege the driver attacked an officer, punching him in the face.
He then ran off and was pursued by the off-duty officer and neighbours who attempted to arrest the driver following a struggle, police said.
When another officer arrived, police said they used a stun gun on the suspect.
The driver was then taken into custody.
Paramedics took the father to hospital in non-life threatening condition.
Police said the off-duty officer was also taken to hospital but his injuries are also non-life threatening.
The children were not physically injured, police said.
The 29-year-old driver, a man from Mississauga, is facing multiple charges.
Atik Khan has been charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault of a peace officer and assault while resisting arrest.
Khan is also facing mischief to a vehicle and committing an indecent act.
He was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning.
“The Toronto Police Service wants to thank the community for stepping in to help their fellow neighbour,” police said.
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