Toronto Police ServiceFernando Morales/The Globe and Mail
A Toronto man has been charged with attempted murder after police say an officer was dragged under a car door early today.
Police say it happened after officers stopped a vehicle on Pharmacy Avenue in east end Toronto.
It's alleged that when they approached the vehicle, the driver reversed and pinned one of the officers under the door — dragging him some 75 metres at high speed.
Police say the officer fell from the door and the vehicle flipped onto its side. The driver fled on foot but was arrested a short distance away.
The officer was not seriously injured.
Stephan Cummings, 18, has also been charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm, failing to stop for police and failing to comply with probation. He is due in court today.
A similar incident on June 28 led to the death of Constable Garrett Styles, 32. After pulling over a 2005 Dodge Caravan the officer ran the van's licence plate, discovered the vehicle did not belong to any of the occupants and reached inside for the keys, a police source said.
At that point the van suddenly lurched forward, snagging Constable Styles and dragging him for about 300 metres. The driver lost control and the van rolled over on top of the officer.
Also Thursday, Police in West Nipissing, Ont., say an officer's arm was grabbed as a suspect vehicle sped away early today.
However, police Chief Chuck Sequin says the officer was able to break free and was not injured.
Police say that after a short pursuit, the vehicle entered a ditch and the teen suspects ran into the bush near the community 40 kilometres west of North Bay.
They were arrested about 7 a.m. following a search assisted by provincial and Anishnabek police.
Three 15-year-olds — two boys and a girl — were taken into custody and face charges in the incident.
Police say the vehicle had been stolen in Sudbury.
With files from The Globe and Mail