19 arrested, 7 officers injured after violent night at Woodbine Beach, Ashbridges Bay

Toronto police say 19 people have been arrested and charged after a violent night at Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay that included a shooting, a stabbing, two robberies at gunpoint, and multiple reports of people directing fireworks at others.

The ages of those arrested range between 14-years-old and 26-years-old, according to police.

Police first received reports of someone being shot around 10 p.m. When officers arrived at the park they found a man with a gunshot wound. The victim has since been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Another victim walked into hospital with gunshot wounds shortly after midnight. Officers confirmed the man was shot earlier at Woodbine Beach.

Police were called to the area again for a stabbing around 11 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a man who was stabbed and he was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Toronto police allege some people were intentionally aiming fireworks at others throughout the evening, including at numerous police officers.

Toronto police Insp. Jeff Bassingthwaite says seven officers were injured during the police response. One officer broke his leg while responding to the shooting and two officers received burns and ear injuries after having fireworks thrown and exploded near them. Another officer was struck in the face by a firework and suffered injuries to his ears and eyes.

All officers have since been released from hospital.

“Despite a hostile crowd, and having fireworks aimed at them, officers were able to successfully make arrests and the crowd was eventually dispersed,” says Bassingthwaite.

On Monday evening, Toronto police released details about the charges laid in connection to the incidents at Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay.

Police say two 17-year-olds have been charged with robbery, two people, ages 15 and 20, have been charged with assaulting a peace officer, and 15 people, between the ages 14 and 26, have been charged with common nuisance.

Some people have attended court today, while others are scheduled to within the coming months.

I’m continuing to get updates from Chief @jamesramertps on the criminal and reckless acts at Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay last night.

Officers responded to multiple calls of crowds of people illegally setting fireworks off and aiming them at people, including at the police. pic.twitter.com/7Wy7ewpMmB

— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) May 23, 2022

Meanwhile, Toronto Mayor John Tory is condemning the actions at Woodbine Beach and Ashbrdges Bay on Sunday night, calling them “criminal and reckless acts.”

“This is totally unacceptable behaviour and I support police doing all they can to protect people and keep the public safe,” Tory wrote in a statement, in part, released online.

The mayor said he’s been staying in touch with the police chief and discussing steps to take to minimize the presence of fireworks on beaches to keep them safe.

Tory went on to wish the seven officers hospitalized quick recoveries and thanked the first responders working this weekend.