Claims officers couldn't get to baby in distress during Raptors parade are 'unfounded,' police say
Police union head says officers 'frustrated ' trying to get through crowds with child who died in hospital
A baby died after going into medical distress while a massive parade was being held last week for the NBA champion Toronto Raptors, but a claim by the Toronto police union's head that officers and first responders had trouble getting to the child as some two million packed the downtown core is being disputed by officials.
Police say they were called to a medical complaint in the University Avenue and York Street area at about 1:40 p.m. ET on June 17 after a mother noticed her child had suddenly become unresponsive.
"Reports that neither medics nor police could get to the baby are unfounded," it says.
The statement says the baby died June 19, but does not indicate how long it took for first responders to arrive at the scene.
No other details about the baby or mother were provided.
'Our officers were frustrated': union
Toronto Police Association head Mike McCormack earlier told CBC News: "Our officers were frustrated trying to get through the crowds with that child. They were performing CPR on that child, trying to transfer that child in a police vehicle. So, they were very distressed by it and very frustrated trying to get that child to the hospital to get the emergency care that they needed.
"It was very traumatic and our hearts go out to the mother who unfortunately lost a child."
In the days after the celebrations, questions emerged about just how well prepared the city was for the massive crowds. Many were stranded without water or bathroom facilities in the midday sun as the parade was delayed for several hours. With Nathan Phillips Square at full capacity, some people sought a better view of the area outside city hall where a post-parade rally was held by climbing traffic poles and arches.
Thursday's statement says staff with the city, MLSE, emergency management, the TTC, GO Transit, Exhibition Place and others met after the parade to "discuss the need more a more proactive celebration plan in the future," including better logistical arrangements and public safety measures.
The statement says an organizing committee will be struck for future celebrations that would include a security consultant.
'What you saw' wasn't all the resources: chief
At one point, gunfire near the square sent hundreds running for safety. The rally continued with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford on stage. The shooting left four people wounded, and three others were taken into custody.
In response to the questions, Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders defended the force's logistical plan, saying the right resources were in place for officers to quickly respond in a mass situation.
"We had over 525 resources that were there. What you saw in the public was not all the resources that we had that were available," Saunders said.
"Yes it was taxing. But how the men and women from the Toronto Police Service acted is how I expect them to be ... It was a celebratory event , and by and large the vast majority of Canadians, the vast majority of the people that went there, definitely felt that way."
'Poor planning' compounding stress: union
Asked if the force turned down offers of additional resources from outside TPS, the chief responded: "I don't recall turning down resources."
Still, McCormack said, he has concerns about the "poor planning and frustration," which he plans to raise Friday at a meeting with the chief and chair of the police service board."
He also said he has received over 170 reports of officers injured on duty the day of the parade, with complaints stemming from fatigue, to crowd control and that bottles were thrown at them.
"I'm not saying if there was more officers or better planning that that would have had an impact on the outcome of this terrible event, but that sort of compounds the frustration and the stress and the despair of dealing with an issue like this," said McCormack.