Police Officer Killed After Snowplow ‘Rampage’

An emotional Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair recounted the tragic events that unfolded early Wednesday morning, claiming the life of one of his “highly regarded” and newly-promoted officers, Sgt. Ryan Russell.

“This is the worst of days,” said Blair, describing Russell as a “hero.”

Blair had the sad task of informing Russell’s wife — the mother of his two-year-old son — and the officer’s parents of the death of their loved one.

“I think it’s important for us to go home and hug our kids, because there’s a little boy who doesn’t have a father,” the chief said at an afternoon news conference Wednesday.

The 35-year-old officer — an 11-year veteran of the Toronto Police force who was promoted to sergeant six months ago — was struck by a stolen snowplow Wednesday morning.

“I know today when it first went across the media that a police officer had been badly hurt that at least 6,000 families across this city, their heart skipped a beat and everybody quickly thought where’s my loved one?” Blair said.

Russell was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital without vital signs just after 6am and Blair arrived shortly after.

“Wednesday morning, about 5:22am, we responded to a theft of vehicle call in the Dundas and Parliament area,” Const. Wendy Drummond said.

The man who got behind the controls of the vehicle was reportedly bare foot.

“That theft was of a snowplow. It was located in the Avenue and Davenport area,” Drummond said.

That’s where Russell was struck as he tried to stop the plow. The vehicle also hit a Ferrari- Maserati dealership and a taxi.

The owner of the snowplow was instrumental in helping police track down the suspect, using his GPS to tell them of the truck’s location.

“We didn’t think anything of it, you know, hey, it’s a stolen truck,” snowplow owner Peter Tolias said.

“But this guy went on a rampage.”.

Officers, including members of the Emergency Task Force, caught up with the stolen snowplow on Keele Street, near Humberside, where they executed a takedown. The suspect, who hasn’t yet been named or charged, was shot around 7:20am, reportedly up to three times. He was also taken to St. Michael’s Hospital for treatment.

“The murder of Sgt. Ryan Russell is being investigated by the Toronto Homicide Squad,” Blair said.

A second officer was also injured during the pursuit, but his wounds are not considered life-threatening.

“The suspect in this matter received certain injuries during his arrest and the SIU has been notified and is now conducting that aspect of the investigation,” Blair said.

The SIU is an arms-length agency that investigates incidents of serious injury, including sexual assault, or death involving civilians and police. It has assigned 12 investigators and four forensic investigators to the case.

Despite being initially closed for the investigation, Avenue Road has since been re-opened. Police say Davenport Road will remain closed for the time being.

A Facebook memorial page in Russell’s honour has been established. A book of condolences is also available for the public to sign at Toronto police headquarters, located at 40 College St.