Incident happened on Canada Day at Woodbine Beach
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Eight people, mostly boys and teens, are accused of aiming fireworks at beachgoers and police officers on Canada Day at Woodbine Beach, and striking an officer in the head with a firework.
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Toronto Police say officers were monitoring and patrolling the beach, located on Lake Shore Blvd. E., on July 1 between 9:30 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. in anticipation of large crowds gathering to set off fireworks. Officers observed individuals armed with fireworks and shooting the fireworks into the crowds, as well as at officers and horses.
Police say an officer was struck in the head and “thankfully, they were not injured.”
A 12-year-old, two 17-year-olds and two 16-year-old boys, all from Toronto, were arrested and charged with common nuisance and weapons dangerous. One of the 16-year-old boys faces an additional charge of fail to comply — release order.
Marlon Neira, 20, of Toronto, and a 17-year-old girl from Brampton are also charged with common nuisance and weapons dangerous, while the girl is additionally charged with possession of a prohibited device.
Jabri Boro, 19, of Toronto, is also charged with common nuisance and weapons dangerous.
According to police, it’s not illegal to set off fireworks in Toronto public parks and beaches, but it is also “extremely dangerous in crowds of people. Anyone caught doing so can be arrested and criminally charged.”
Anyone with information can call 416-808-5500, Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS, or visit 222tips.com.
