Toronto police officer killed in the line of duty

A Toronto police officer died at St. Michael's Hospital this morning after he was struck by a stolen snowplow.

Reports indictate that the privately-owned plow was reported stolen at 4:15 a.m. by a barefoot man on Cole Street near Dundas and Parliament Streets.

It is further reported that officers pursued and attempted to stop the vehicle, as it struck Sgt. Ryan Russell 35, just before 6 a.m. on Avenue Road. Russell sustained a serious head trauma and was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital with no vital signs.

Police continued the pursuit, and the suspect was reportedly shot by police in a takedown at approximately 7 a.m. after colliding with a vehicle near Humberside Avenue and Keele Street.

The suspect was transported to St. Michael's Hospital.

Russell was an 11-year veteran of the force, he was married with one young son, a toddler.

For more on this breaking story, please go to your preferred online or broadcast source for Toronto news.

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Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty released the following statement on the death of Toronto Police Sergeant Ryan Russell:

"On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Toronto Police Sergeant Ryan Russell who died this morning in the line of duty.

All Ontarians are shocked by this tragedy, and we stand united in supporting Sergeant Russell's family, including his wife and young child.

Sergeant Russell's death is a grim reminder that we should never take the dangers of policing for granted. Those who serve never know when they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. Coming from a police family, Sergeant Russell knew the risks involved when he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father.

Let us always be grateful for the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who uphold the law and keep us safe."

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