Police charge 19 after chaos breaks out at Toronto beach, causing several injuries

Toronto police say they made nearly 20 arrests after chaos broke out at an east-end beach on Sunday night, leaving multiple people injured.

Police say crowds of people were allegedly setting off fireworks at Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay, sometimes pointing them at other people.

There were also reports of a shooting, a stabbing and two robberies at gunpoint.

Police say seven officers were among the wounded, including one who broke a leg and three more who were burned or cut by fireworks that were allegedly thrown at them.

Police say they made 19 arrests and announced charges against 16 people late Monday, including a 15-year-old boy who faces a charge of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon.

The city planned to host a fireworks event at Ashbridges Bay Park for Victoria Day on Monday evening, and police said officers would be in the area.

City bylaws prohibit possession of fireworks on beaches and parks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2022.

The Canadian Press