TORONTO - The Director of the Special Investigations Unit has concluded that there are no reasonable grounds to charge an officer of the Toronto Police Service with a criminal offence in regards to the firearm injury sustained by 44-year-old Richard Kachkar in January.
"In my view, the subject officer was justified in the use of potentially lethal force when he discharged his firearm twice at Mr. Kachkar," director Ian Scott said in his report.
On Jan. 12, 2011, at 5:20 a.m., Kachkar allegedly stole a pickup truck from the Dundas and Parliament Street area. At approximately 6:00 a.m., Sgt. Ryan Russell and his cruiser were struck while trying to stop the escaping truck.
Sgt. Russell died of injuries sustained in the event.
A short time later, the stolen vehicle collided with the front end of garbage truck on Keele Street. A number of officers approached the vehicle and shouted at the driver to get out of the vehicle and show his hands. The driver refused to comply.
Four officers discharged their conducted energy weapons (CEWs), commonly known as tasers, through an open side window.
After orders to turn off the CEWs, Kachkar put his foot on the accelerator and moved the vehicle forward, pinning an officer's leg between it and the garbage truck. The subject officer then twice discharged his service pistol at Kachkar through the driver's side window, striking him in the right rear shoulder area and left arm.
Another officer then opened the driver's side door, pulling out Kachkar, and placing him on the ground where he was handcuffed and arrested.
Twelve investigators and four forensic investigators were assigned to probe the circumstances surrounding the event. Twenty civilian witnesses were also interviewed.
Kachkar is charged with first-degree murder. He remains in custody and is due back in court April 14.
