Police say a 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. Investigators say they are still looking for one or possibly two other suspects who fled in the van.

Police told CityNews they cannot say at this time whether this was a targeted or random event.

As for concerns expressed by some area residents that police did not pursue the van as it sped away from the scene, police say they must consider the enormous risk to the public in these situations.

“One of the main determining factors for engaging in a vehicle pursuit is whether or not a criminal offense has occurred,” said Cst. Tyler Bell. “Here, yes, it is, but we have to determine whether the risk to the public is worth the risk of a prosecution.” Is the risk we pose to the public by engaging in a car chase worth it for the type of offense we are investigating.

Bell added that the offense in question was non-violent, a property offense and that there was no apparent bodily injury. Another factor to take into account was the fact that the officer’s partner himself pursued the other suspect, who may have been armed, on foot.