Mark Tyson
Member
Fantino outraged'' after cops pelted with bottles at crime scene by hoodlums''
Copyright 2003 Press News Limited, All Rights Reserved
The Canadian Press (CP)
August 4, 2003 Monday
TORONTO (CP) - Police Chief Julian Fatino says he was outraged after hearing that his officers had to "dodge bullets and bottles'' when investigating two downtown shootings early Sunday.
Police were pelted with bottles hurled by a "very rowdy'' and "very angry'' crowd of young people, a frustrated Fantino said.
Some officers were struck by flying bottles, but none were injured.
"Our people are getting fed up, and I'm getting fed up, and we're going to have to do something about it,'' Fantino said.
"We're not just going to be a punching bag for these young hoodlums.''
The gunfire erupted about 3:30 p.m. on Yonge Street in a huge crowd, many of them Caribana revellers.
Three men suffered non-life-threatening wounds. Two were shot in the leg and one in the back.
Just 10 minutes later, shots rang out half a block up the street and a fourth man was hit in the leg. As many as 15 shots were fired, witnesses said.
"It was one hell of a night for our people,'' Fantino said.
"Police officers were in imminent danger. They thought they were being shot at.''
Mounted officers had to be brought in to disperse the crowd.
Although there were hundreds of people in the area, police said they received little co-operation.
Investigators have yet to get descriptions of any suspects or a motive for the shootings.
Police said the victims, all males in their early to mid-20s and from various parts of the city, were not out together.
Three remained in hospital in fair condition. One was treated and released.
(Toronto Sun)
Copyright 2003 Press News Limited, All Rights Reserved
The Canadian Press (CP)
August 4, 2003 Monday
TORONTO (CP) - Police Chief Julian Fatino says he was outraged after hearing that his officers had to "dodge bullets and bottles'' when investigating two downtown shootings early Sunday.
Police were pelted with bottles hurled by a "very rowdy'' and "very angry'' crowd of young people, a frustrated Fantino said.
Some officers were struck by flying bottles, but none were injured.
"Our people are getting fed up, and I'm getting fed up, and we're going to have to do something about it,'' Fantino said.
"We're not just going to be a punching bag for these young hoodlums.''
The gunfire erupted about 3:30 p.m. on Yonge Street in a huge crowd, many of them Caribana revellers.
Three men suffered non-life-threatening wounds. Two were shot in the leg and one in the back.
Just 10 minutes later, shots rang out half a block up the street and a fourth man was hit in the leg. As many as 15 shots were fired, witnesses said.
"It was one hell of a night for our people,'' Fantino said.
"Police officers were in imminent danger. They thought they were being shot at.''
Mounted officers had to be brought in to disperse the crowd.
Although there were hundreds of people in the area, police said they received little co-operation.
Investigators have yet to get descriptions of any suspects or a motive for the shootings.
Police said the victims, all males in their early to mid-20s and from various parts of the city, were not out together.
Three remained in hospital in fair condition. One was treated and released.
(Toronto Sun)