SIU Wraps Probe Into Shootout With Alleged Robbers
Posted July 28, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Special Investigations Unit has wrapped up its probe after a wild shootout in broad daylight between police and several robbery suspects on Friday.
The gun battle broke out just before 5pm at Jane and Maple Leaf Drive. Police said one suspect, shot in the leg by a police officer, was taken to Humber River Regional Hospital. He’s in stable condition.
“When the dude ran out he just bust off shots at that officer first, then he bust off four shots at the next officer here,” one alarmed witness recalled. “And then he fled.”
“I heard about 12 to 15 successive gun shots,” another witness said, though police forensics cones suggested total number fired was closer to 30.
Fortunately there were no civilians wounded, though a TTC bus shelter was shattered. Officials are still searching for as many as three other suspects who tried to escape in a van before bailing and scattering. Black Creek Drive along with a large area between Lawrence and Wilson was shut down for an initial rollout. The York Regional Police helicopter was also involved in the search.
Reports indicate that gunmen opened fire on police after trying to rob a strip mall video store, which is also known as a popular money exchange site.
If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
