A 21-year-old man faces a long list of charges including attempted murder after a Toronto police officer found himself dodging bullets.
The
frightening altercation happened at about 2:30am Monday in the
Weston Rd. and Highway 401 area as members of the Gun and Gang Task Force were conducting an investigation. It's unclear exactly what unfolded, but it's alleged the accused brandished a gun at one point and fired it at a police officer before fleeing.
Though the officer wasn't struck, a bullet lodged in the side of his cruiser. An extensive search for suspects ensued involving dozens of officers and the canine unit.
Nearly 24 hours later, police arrested Jaime Eduardo Merchan and recovered a firearm.
Merchan was charged with nine offences including attempted murder, discharging a firearm endangering life, using a firearm to commit an indictable offence, and careless use of a firearm.
He was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. Initially there were reports police were looking for up to six suspects but it's unclear if that's still the case. The gunfire was apparently preceded by an incident at a nearby nightclub.
Since the officer didn't return fire, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit wasn't called in.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at
416-222-TIPS (8477).