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Last night's robbery, shooting, and train crash

January 25, 2009 - 12:39pm — vic

A troubling series of events occurred last night in our neighbourhood: The Beer Store on Symington Ave. was robbed, which led to a police chase, an officer being shot (grazed on the head) and a police car being hit by a train at the Wallace Ave. crossing.

Here are some details from the Toronto Police news release:

Police officer shot during robbery investigation,
Two men face a total of 26 charges, shotgun seized

Broadcast time: 11:12
Sunday, January 25, 2009

Hold Up Squad
416−808−7350

On Saturday, January 24, 2009, just after 7:30 p.m., police responded to an armed robbery call at The Beer Store, 323 Symington Avenue.

It is alleged that:

  • police responded and located two suspects in the area of Wallace Avenue,
  • as police approached, one of the suspects began to shoot at the officers, and gunfire was exchanged,
  • one officer was struck in the forehead by a shotgun pellet.

The officer was taken to hospital with minor injuries. He was treated and released.

Two suspects were arrested shortly thereafter.

Jeron Powell, 32, of Toronto, is charged with:

  1. Five counts of Robbery While Armed with a Firearm,
  2. two counts of Disguise with Intent,
  3. Conspiracy to Commit and Indictable Offence,
  4. three counts of Attempted Murder While Using a Firearm,
  5. two counts of Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized,
  6. Unauthorized Presence of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle,
  7. Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order,
  8. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (under),
  9. Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition.

Craig Buckle, 29, of Toronto, is charged with:

  1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence,
  2. Three counts of Robbery While Armed with a Firearm,
  3. Disguise with Intent,
  4. Possession of a Firearm with Ammunition,
  5. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized,
  6. Unauthorized Presence of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle,
  7. Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall, on Sunday, January 25, 2009, room 101, 1 p.m.

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the public for their support and concern during this investigation. The Service would also like to thank officers from 11, 12, and 13 Divisions, the Gun and Gang Task Force, TAVIS, ETF, PDS, the Hold Up Squad, as well as the York Regional Police Air Support, for their assistance.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−1100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Constable Wendy Drummond, Public Information, for Detective Peter Hans, Hold Up Squad

Jack Fava has been in touch with Adam Giambrone's office, and they are working along with Tony Ruprecht and Mario Silva to organize a community safety meeting as a followup to this incident.

We will post more information here as it comes in.

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