Judge excludes firearm proof after Durham arrest goes wrong

An Ontario court ruled a handgun inadmissible after Toronto officers used an unmarked car to hit two men on a scooter during a bail-enforcement operation in Whitby.

Judge excludes firearm proof after Durham arrest goes wrong

An Ontario court has ruled a handgun inadmissible after Toronto officers used an unmarked car to strike two men on a scooter during a bail-enforcement operation in Whitby.

On June 25, 2024, a squad travelled to a plaza anchored by a Canadian Tire to locate Trayvon Palmer, wanted for breaching release terms. They spotted Palmer riding behind Paul Lewis on an electric scooter.

Over the radio, one member suggested boxing the pair in and taking them immediately. Constable Joshua Baksh responded by accelerating his covert vehicle into the scooter, catapulting both riders.

Palmer sprinted away; Baksh chased him through an outdoor nursery. Lewis headed the other direction, only to be hit by a second cruiser and pinned between the two automobiles. A pistol flew loose during the impact.

Lewis suffered spinal trauma, fractured ribs, and additional wounds, his lawyer David Campos stated. Campos contended Lewis was not wanted, had committed no observed infraction, and that the physical force deployed was unlawful and disproportionate.

The bench agreed, tossing the weapon evidence. Lewis walked free on firearms counts and was found guilty solely of violating bail by leaving home without a supervisor. Crown attorneys later abandoned charges against Palmer.

Separately, the Special Investigations Unit charged Baksh, who pleaded guilty to assault. Toronto Police said internal discipline would follow the criminal case; he presently works outside public contact.

Source: CP24

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)