Police chief pledges to address tow-truck industry violence

Toronto's police chief is pledging to address tow-truck-related gun violence following more than half-a-dozen gunfire incidents which took place within a 48-hour period over the weekend in the city's east end that investigators believe are related to conflicts within that industry.

"We're very laser-focused on those particular conflicts while we police our city," Chief Myron Demkiw said at an unrelated event Tuesday.

"It's something we are looking at as a whole of service priority for us — to do everything we can to not only stem the gun violence that's going on as a result of challenges in that industry, but also to bring those responsible to justice."

Officers responded to eight weapon-discharge incidents between Saturday at 2 a.m. and Sunday at 7:45 p.m. in 41 Division and 42 Division in Scarborough.

Police say the same suspect vehicle, a stolen dark-coloured Honda CRV, drove to eight separate locations where a suspect fired gunshots out the rear passenger window at businesses, homes and vehicles. No injuries were reported.

Last week, the Toronto Police Service launched a task force specifically tasked with addressing a rise in gun violence related to the tow truck industry. Officers said the force has seen seen a recent increase in criminal activity linked to a small segment of the industry.

"We've had a number of shootings that are of concern. We've had a number of arsons as well," Demkiw said. 

"So we're looking at every available opportunity ... to disrupt those activities and bring those responsible to into custody and and held accountable justice."

Police say there have been 24 tow-truck related shootings in Toronto since the start of the year, noting most conflicts have historically been over turf wars and rivalries.

The Ontario government passed legislation in 2021 to assume responsibility for overseeing the towing industry from municipalities, after groups raised concerns about weak patchwork regulation, and police investigations alleged organized crime had infiltrated parts of the industry.

New regulations came into force Monday requiring tow truck drivers and vehicle storage operators to get a provincial certificate to operate.

Tow truck company operators have needed to be certified with the province since January, when the 2021 law came into force.