A robbery led to a police chase and shootout early Saturday morning.
A 51-year-old man faces numerous charges after a robbery at gas station in the 1700 block of Kenaston Boulevard.
Around 3:40 a.m., an armed suspect disguising his identity confronted a female employee, said police. The suspect fired his weapon during the robbery before fleeing in a vehicle.
No one was injured during the robbery.
"It's incredibly shocking. I've never heard of anything like that in this neighbourhood and I've lived here for a long time," said customer Dillon Wright.
Officers spotted the suspect near Regent Avenue West and Stapon Road about half an hour later. The suspect took off, driving at a high speed with no regard for public safety, said police.
The suspect fired his weapon at the police, who returned fire, said police. Again, no injuries were reported.
"I can acknowledge that a firearm discharge did occur involving the suspect," said Const. Jason Michalyshen. "That weapon was fired in the direction of our members. Our officers did exchange fire was well."
Eventually the suspect came to a dead end on Springfield Road, west of Lagimodiere Boulevard. Using the K-9 Unit, patrol officers took the suspect into custody.
By early Saturday afternoon, the gas station had re-opened. Staff inside the store were not authorized to talk about the robbery, but police say it was very traumatic for the employee.
"There's no question this particular employee was at risk as a result of her interaction with this individual. I'll make that very clear," said Michalyshen.
Saturday morning, police had taped off two sections of Regent Avenue, between Starlight Drive and Owen Street, and between Plessis Road and Moroz Street.
Members of the Homicide Unit and Major Crimes Unit are investigating. The police Independent Investigations Unit has also been notified.
