Police Come Under Heavy Gunfire During High-Speed Pursuit

Police have released additional details about a frightening encounter in which officers came under heavy gunfire while pursuing a vehicle through an area known for gang activity.

The shooting occurred early Thursday morning as officers were following the vehicle. During the pursuit, someone inside reportedly opened fire on the police using what investigators believe was a high-calibre weapon.  The officers escaped without injury, but the attack has raised serious concerns about the type of firepower now being used by criminal groups and their willingness to target law-enforcement personnel.  Assistant Commissioner of Police Stacy Smith provided details about the pursuit and the ongoing investigation.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “What I can say in relation to this investigation, to that incident sorry, is that the officers of the GI3 stated that they sought to intercept a vehicle of interest, and that vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually collided into a lamppost and three persons exited the vehicle and when one of those persons who was in the front passenger seat was exiting he fired upon the police officers who returned fire. All three persons were able to evade custody, capture, sorry. However, the vehicle of interest has been impounded and great strides have been made as it relates to the investigation of this matter.”