Explosion At Marijuana Dispensary

Case #: 2016-1470056

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing Controlled Drugs & Substances Act investigation.

It is alleged that:

– on Thursday, May 26, 2016, a search warrant was executed at a business operating as a marijuana dispensary at 353 Eglinton Avenue West.

– on Friday, August 19, 2016, at 7:34 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received for an explosion that had occurred at the same location that had re-opened after the initial warrant was executed

– the front plate glass window shattered, showering the sidewalk and roadway with shards of glass

– a man, 29, from Niagara Region, who was inside the premises, suffered severe burns to his face and arms and was taken to hospital

– no other injuries were reported

The Toronto Police Service Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear and Explosive response team (CBRNE) attended and conducted an emergency assessment of the scene, assisted by Toronto Fire Services.

The investigation being conducted by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and members from 53 Division is ongoing.

On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, David Coleman, 29, of Smithville, was arrested and charged with:

1) Mischief Endangering Life

2) Arson with Disregard for Human Life

3) Possession of a Schedule II Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Section 5(2)

4) Possession of a Schedule II Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Section 7(1)

5) Possession of a Schedule II Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Section 4(1)

6) Possession Proceeds of Property or Thing Obtained by Crime in Canada – Exceeding $5000

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

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