Mayor Miller...Your Safety Iniative Program Is Not Working

At least not in my neighborhood, Duffering & Eglinton, and I haven't heard how much of the $600K has been distributed to the at risk youth in my neighborhood. There is no chance that this money is being used to expand the knowledge of our at risk youth who have started a cottage industry making and selling zip guns?

Homemade gun found by TAVIS police officers

toronto.ctv.ca

A man is facing a list of gun and drug-related charges after he allegedly pulled a homemade firearm on police Tuesday night, resulting in a struggle that left two officers with minor injuries.

Officers with the Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS) were investigating drug and gang activity in the Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue West area of the city.

The TAVIS probe was prompted by concerns from people living in the neighbourhood.

Police allege that while investigating one man, the suspect pulled a so-called zip gun from his pocket and pointed it at the officers.

The homemade weapon was loaded with a 22-calibre round.

"It looks like, really, just a little larger than a pen," Staff Sgt. Dan Sabadics told the Toronto Star.

The suspect and officers struggled and police even used a Taser in an attempt to subdue the man, but with "little effect."

"The struggle just sort of continued," Sabadics said.

Up to four officers were involved in the struggle and two suffered injuries. They were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital for treatment.

Police charged Joshua Charles, 24, of Toronto with:

• Pointing a firearm;
• Carrying a concealed weapon;
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order; and
• Possession of ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.

Police also allege they found an undisclosed amount of marijuana with the suspect.

Charles was further charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and other offences.

He was scheduled to make a court appearance on Wednesday.

Comment: It is late Thursday afternoon......Is Mr. Charles still in custody or has he been released on bail meaning their is a chance I might encounter him when I go to my local Tim Hortons/MacDonalds?

Zip guns are not commonly seen on the streets, but they "do come across them" Sabadics told the Star.

"It's easily concealed. If you don't know what you're looking for, you can lose your life rapidly," he said.