A delivery van is pictured in downtown Toronto after a chase on Wednesday afternoon. (Francis Gibbs)
In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, a victim managed to escape an alleged gunpoint kidnapping in the Greater Toronto Area, leading to a high-speed police chase. New details released by the Toronto Police reveal that the incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. in Scarborough, where officers were investigating the stabbing of an off-duty officer on December 6.
According to a police release on Thursday, unbeknownst to the officers, one of the suspects involved in the stabbing had forcibly entered a nearby apartment, taken a man at gunpoint, and compelled the victim into a stolen U-Haul.
Contrary to initial reports, it was disclosed that the abducted individual was still inside the U-Haul when the suspect attempted to flee, prompting a pursuit by law enforcement. During the chase, the suspect intentionally rammed into two police vehicles, injuring one officer with minor injuries.
The pursuit continued with the suspect reportedly colliding with civilian vehicles, driving recklessly, and even striking a cyclist. The victim, however, seized an opportunity to escape when the U-Haul slowed down to make a turn at Kennedy and Ellesmere roads. Remarkably, the victim jumped out of the moving vehicle and emerged unharmed.
A substantial police response ensued, involving multiple units and a helicopter from York Regional Police. The chase led into Durham Region and back into Toronto, with the suspect driving dangerously through the downtown core, running red lights, and using sidewalks and oncoming traffic.
The accused, identified as 47-year-old Toronto resident Jim Kaluzovski, allegedly struck an unmarked police vehicle in an attempt to evade capture at Yonge and Jordan streets. The situation concluded when members of Toronto Police’s Emergency Task Force intercepted the suspect's vehicle at Carleton and Church streets, taking him into custody.
Upon investigation, an airsoft pistol was recovered from the scene. Kaluzovski now faces a litany of charges, including Break and Enter, Kidnapping, Assault, Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm, and multiple counts of leaving the accident scene.
In connection with the stabbing of the off-duty officer, Kaluzovski faces additional charges such as Robbery with a Weapon, Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, and Weapons Dangerous. Notably, three suspects remain at large in the ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident.
Kaluzovski made his first court appearance in Toronto on Thursday, though the charges have not been tested in court. Toronto Police spokesperson Abdel-Malik expressed relief that the incident concluded without harm to the public, with minor injuries sustained by some officers. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety amid dynamic and unpredictable situations.
