Separate arrests made after assaults of Toronto parking enforcement officers

Toronto police have arrested two people in separate assaults targeting parking enforcement officers, including an incident that saw a 19-year-old refuse a ticket and squeeze an officer’s hand.

The first alleged incident happened on June 15 around 5:15 p.m. in the Beverley Street and Cecil Street area in the city’s downtown core.

Police said a parking enforcement officer was patrolling along Cecil Street when he observed a man throwing an object near pedestrians. The man then smashed a beer bottle on the ground.

The unknown man chased the parking enforcement officer, who fled to his vehicle. Police said the officer placed himself on the other side of his car, away from the man, and called dispatch for assistance.

The male suspect then fled on foot and, a short time later, was taken into police custody.

The accused was identified as 30-year-old Ivan Ramos Hernandez of Toronto. He was charged with assault and resisting arrest.

He’s expected to appear in court on July 11.

19-year-old man charged in similar assault days later

Toronto police responded to a similar assault just before 6 p.m. on June 19 in the Ossington Avenue and Argyle Street area.

In this case, police said a parking enforcement officer was patrolling along Ossington Avenue when they noticed a vehicle illegally parked in the rush hour route.

When the officer was serving a parking ticket, a man returned to his vehicle and refused to accept the offence.

Once the officer placed the ticket on the vehicle’s windshield, it’s alleged the man grabbed the ticket, crumbled it up and approached the enforcement officer. He then “tightly squeezed” the officer’s hand.

In fear for his safety, police said the officer called for assistance. The man was then arrested.

He was identified as 19-year-old Achenef Henock Belayneh of Toronto. He was charged with assault.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on July 24.