The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been called in to investigate following the discharge of a firearm by an officer followed by a pursuit on Friday evening.
On Friday, April 16, 2021, at approximately 4:40 p.m., DRPS responded to a suspicious person call involving theft suspects at the LCBO in the area of Taunton Road and Harmony Road, Oshawa. Officers arrived and both suspects attempted to flee the scene. As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a firearm was discharged by a DRPS officer.
The 45-year-old suspect operating the vehicle was stopped in the area of Highway 427 and Highway 401, and the driver was taken into custody.
The driver, Michelle PESCE, a 45-year-old female of No Fixed Address faces 21 charges including: Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance; Flight from Police and Obstruct Police.
The second suspect was taken into custody at the initial scene. Emma BANNISTER, a 66-year-old female of No Fixed Address faces 14 charges, including: Theft Under $5000; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime; Fail to Comply with Release Order and Obstruct Police.
Both were held for a bail hearing.
As is the protocol, the SIU was called and they have invoked their mandate. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529.