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An off-duty Toronto police officer suffered a serious wrist injury after he tried to intervene in a retail robbery in Scarborough on Wednesday, police say.
The officer, who is in stable condition, will need surgery, according to Insp. Chris McCann of the Toronto Police Service.
In a news release Wednesday, police said they are seeking four suspects — three men and one woman — in the assault of the officer and retail robbery.
Police said the four suspects entered a retail store on Progress Avenue near McCowan Road and tried to steal an item without paying, at around 11:45 a.m.
The off-duty officer attempted to intervene outside the store and was stabbed in the wrist by one of the men, police said.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said on X, formerly Twitter, that a first-year police officer performed first aid and applied a tourniquet to the officer’s wrist to stop the bleeding. Toronto paramedics then took the injured officer to hospital.
“Proud of the bravery of these officers today,” Demkiw said.
According to police, the four loaded the stolen item into a blue Toyota Sienna minivan. They were last seen going north on Brimley Road and westbound on Highway 401.
Toronto police have released this image of the suspect vehicle. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)
The first suspect is described as as a male, wearing a dark jacket with a hood and jeans.
The second suspect is described as a male, wearing a dark jacket with a hood and jeans.
The third suspect is described as a female. wearing grey cargo pants and a green camouflage coloured shirt.
The fourth suspect is described as male, wearing a white hooded jacket and dark pants.
McCann said police are continuing to look for the four suspects. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashboard camera footage is urged to come forward.
Police have released a video and images of the suspects and the vehicle used in the incident.
Stabbing follows other retail robberies in GTA
The stabbing comes a day after police said they are investigating a smash and grab robbery at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
In that incident, three males reportedly entered Cartier store, which sells high-end jewlery and timepieces, and smashed display cases. They took an unknown number of items. Police said they were notified at about 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
No one was injured and the suspects are still outstanding. Their ages are not known.
On Nov. 17, four thieves broke into a Mississauga store in a daylight robbery then smashed the front window with an axe to get out after the owner locked them inside. The four took merchandise from Pure10, a store that sells sneakers, street wear and designer items that are estimated to cost between $12,000 to $15,000
Peel Regional Police said Wednesday that they are working along with Square One Mall to increase security and prevent thefts during the holiday shopping season.
Throughout December, investigators will be at the Mississauga mall to conduct foot patrols and take any emergency calls. Police said the goal is to reduce theft and respond quickly to help employees.
Police have released this image of the first suspect. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)
Police have released this image of the second suspect. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)
Police have released this image of the third suspect. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)
Police have released this image of the fourth suspect. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)
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