Toronto Police gun projects lead to 48 people charged with 406 offences

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Toronto Police say they’ve charged 48 people with 406 offences and seized 24 firearms after two proactive gun violence projects.

The first called Project Community resulted in 18 arrests, 109 charges laid, six firearms seized and three stolen vehicles recovered.

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“In response to a rise in gun crime across 43 Division at the beginning of this year, we decided to initiate Project Community, a collaboration led by the divisional Major Crime Unit, Neighbourhood Community Office and the newly developed Bail Compliance Unit,” acting Supt. Ryan Forde said Thursday in a statement.

However, since 43 Division was still dealing with the highest number of firearm offences in the city, it then launched Project Springboard. And between April and June, officers made an additional 30 arrests, laid 297 charges and seized 18 firearms.

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“Thanks to the collaboration of our specialized units with our members at the division, we were able to disrupt and reduce gun crime in our communities,” Forde said. “I also want to thank the community members whose contributions let to the success of both of these projects.”

Some of the accused are as young as 15 and between all 48 charged there are almost 30 fail to comply with release orders or breach or probation charges.