DRPS focused on public safety during a large car meet in Pickering on Sunday.
On Sunday, May 23, 2021, at approximately 2:00 p.m., members from DRPS attended the area of Brock Road and Kingston Road, in response to the information of a planned car rally. Numerous vehicles began attending the parking lot and officers advised the attendees the that the rally is in violation of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
Throughout the afternoon, more vehicles continued to attend the area and Air1 was utilized in monitoring the situation. Officers managed the situation with the primary goals of public safety, officer safety, and the safety of the surrounding roadways.
At 6:20 p.m., Air1 was utilized to assist traffic units with a situation that was spoken to in an earlier Media Release (21-119717) and numerous officers were required to assist in this investigation.
At approximately 8 p.m., there was an estimate of more than 2,000 people and 1,000 vehicles. As additional resources were being requested for clearing out the crowd, there were reports of a male injured during a physical confrontation. The 26-year-old male sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., officers had successfully cleared the crowd from the parking lot.
Members from DRPS are continuing to investigate the incidents and following up with violations of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
Members of the Traffic Services Branch monitored traffic surrounding the area and laid 54 Provincial Offence Notices.
Anyone with information about this event is asked to call Cst. Lemanis of the West Division Traffic Safety Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1921.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
