News >> Browse Articles >> Officer Down News

Toronto Officer Killed After Stolen Snow Plow Pursuit

Police block of Keele St. between Annette St. and Bloor St. where a snow plow came to rest after a man stole it and ran down a police officer on January 12, 2011. []

TORONTO – A Toronto Police officer, struck by a stolen snow plow Wednesday morning, has died of his injuries, a source has told the Toronto Sun.

Sgt. Ryan Russell, 35, was pronounced dead at St. Michael’s Hospital hours after being hit by the plow. Russell, an 11-year veteran of the force, leaves behind a wife and young son, Chief Bill Blair said at a morning press conference outside of the hospital.

Russell worked out of downtown 52 Division. His father also worked as a police officer.

A call about the plow, stolen near Parliament and Dundas Sts., came in around 5:20 a.m., Const. Wendy Drummond said. The officer was struck while attempting to stop it on Avenue Rd. near Davenport Rd. just after 6 a.m.

Paramedics found the officer without vital signs. The officer was rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital.

Chief Bill Blair was seen entering St. Mike’s just before 7 a.m. He is expected to update media this morning.

Police shot the suspect – who fled the scene, driving erratically – near Keele St. and Humberside Blvd. around 7:15 a.m. The suspect is also being treated at St. Mike’s hospital. A second officer was injured in that confrontation.

Russell was promoted to sergeant within the last year. He was a street gang expert who had worked with the Gun and Gang Task Force. He lectured province wide to police about street gangs and was married with a young family.

The Thin Blue Line

Police Survivors Benefits Guides

Group: Friends On the Wall

Officer Safety Discussions