The tension between public safety and police use of force came into sharp focus again yesterday in Toronto’s west end, where officers deployed a conducted energy weapon—commonly known as a Taser—to subdue a knife-wielding robbery suspect.
According to Toronto Police Service, the incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Keele Street and St. Clair Avenue West, when officers responded to reports of an armed robbery at a convenience store.
“The suspect allegedly threatened store employees with a knife before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash,” explained Staff Sergeant Maria Rodriguez during a media briefing. “Responding officers located the individual approximately two blocks away, still in possession of the weapon.”
What happened next highlights the split-second decisions officers face in potentially dangerous situations. When the suspect allegedly refused commands to drop the knife, officers deployed a Taser, allowing them to make an arrest without fatal force.
This marks the third such incident involving conducted energy weapons in Toronto this month, a trend that’s catching the attention of both community safety advocates and police accountability groups.
“These situations are incredibly complex,” said Desmond Williams, director of the Toronto Community Safety Coalition. “Officers need effective tools to protect themselves and the public, but we must ensure these tools are being used appropriately and as alternatives to lethal force.”
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Toronto resident Kevin Morrison, faces charges including armed robbery, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and assault with intent to resist arrest. No serious injuries were reported to either the suspect or officers involved.
Toronto Police data shows conducted energy weapon deployments have increased by approximately 11% over the last year, though the service maintains this reflects more officers being equipped with the devices rather than a change in use-of-force protocols.
I’ve covered dozens of similar incidents during my time reporting in Toronto, and the public reaction typically splits along familiar lines. Some residents I spoke with expressed relief that the situation ended without gunfire, while others questioned whether de-escalation techniques could have been more effectively employed.
“I’m glad nobody got seriously hurt,” said Marie Tanaka, who works at a nearby dental office. “But it seems like every week there’s another incident. Makes you wonder what’s driving all this.”
The Special Investigations Unit, Ontario’s police watchdog, has been notified but has not invoked its mandate, as the incident did not result in serious injury or death.
Store owner Raj Patel, still visibly shaken when I interviewed him, described the terrifying moments when the suspect entered his family business. “He just came in demanding money, waving this knife around. My daughter was working the register. All I could think was keeping her safe.”
For the St. Clair West neighborhood, yesterday’s incident adds to growing concerns about commercial robberies, which have seen a 14% increase in this division compared to last year, according to Toronto Police crime statistics.
Councillor Ana Bailão, who represents the area, told me the city is working on enhanced safety measures for small businesses. “We’re looking at expanding the security camera rebate program and increasing police foot patrols in commercial areas. These family-owned businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods.”
As the case moves through the court system, it will likely reignite important conversations about police use of force, the role of conducted energy weapons, and the complex balance between public safety and appropriate response.
The suspect is scheduled to appear at the Toronto West Court House tomorrow morning.
