RPTV - Community Meeting Addresses Safety Concerns After Car-Jacking Incident

On December 4, 2024, more than 62 residents and community stakeholders gathered virtually for a special emergency meeting of the SDP Regent Park Safety Network, marking a historic turnout. Co-chaired by Leonard Swartz and Hajia Umul, the meeting provided a platform for residents to raise pressing concerns and engage directly with law enforcement. The session was convened in response to a November 27, 2024, car-jacking and shooting that culminated in an arrest in Regent Park, sparking concerns from Regent Park community members on public safety. Toronto Police Service Neighbourhood Community Officers Farzad Ghotbi, Miercea Biga, and Sergeant Jeremy Boyko led the conversation, informing residents about the car-jacking and shooting incident and emphasizing that the incident had nothing to do with Regent Park, with the exception that it was the location of the arrest. More concerning was the revelation by community officers, that a week prior to this incident, officers pulled over a limousine at Dundas and Ontario Street, heading eastbound toward Regent Park. During the stop, police discovered open alcohol in the vehicle. Upon further investigation, four fully loaded semi-automatic handguns were found, each with bullets in the chamber. Twelve individuals, aged between 14 and 21, were arrested in connection with the incident. A majority of those arrested were residents of Regent Park, with others from East York and Scarborough. Constable Biga noted that the incident is particularly concerning for Regent Park, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address crime in the community. The community was also informed that 52 Division deploys a police patrol car that operates 24/7 in downtown priority areas. Additionally, a special call-back unit consisting of six officers and a supervisor patrols these high-priority areas on weekends, specifically Friday through Sunday. Attendees emphasized the need for proactive measures including parent involvement, to ensure community safety and the importance of fostering trust between residents and law enforcement. This gathering showcased the power of community engagement in addressing safety challenges and reinforced Regent Park’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive neighborhood for all.