Toronto

Ontario’s police watchdog investigating after teen injured during arrest at Finch West Station

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The logo of the Ontario Special Investigations Unit is pictured in Toronto on Friday, April 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a 14-year-old boy was seriously injured during his arrest at Finch West Station last month.

Toronto police said they were called to the Line 1 station on the afternoon of Oct. 7 to help TTC constables after a group of youths were allegedly “manipulating” the gates to enter the subway station without paying.

The Special investigations Unit (SIU) said in a news release on Monday that two officers confronted the group and “there was an interaction with one of the boys.”

Toronto police previously said one youth was arrested for assaulting an officer. Shortly after, police said they were “surrounded and assaulted by” several youths.

Five teenagers have been charged in connection with the incident: a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds and two 15-year-olds. They cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The SIU said after a 14-year-old boy was released from custody, he went to the hospital and was diagnosed with a serious, non-life-threatening injury.

Toronto police learned of the injury on Oct. 9, and notified the SIU that same day.

The SIU said they assigned three investigators to the case. One subject officer and one witness officer have also been designated.