Shooting at Mcdonald's in Toronto - Coxwell and Danforth

Two people are now dead in Toronto because of their desire to rob a security guard in a Mcdonald's.  It is a shame that we still have cases of people trying to steal in order to get by.  Doesn't anyone ever learn a lesson vicariously?  From the interview with Homicide Detectives, it seems that the two deceased men, 25 and 40 years old, attempted to rob the security guard while waiting in line at Mcdonald's near Coxwell Ave and Danforth Ave.  The security guard has not been charged, and there is tons of video evidence that seems to support the actions of guard, so far.  If the video evidence supported that the guard was outside of the rules of engagement, by discharging his firearm, he would have been locked up immediately.

The Toronto Star Update

UPDATE: One of the victims has been identified as Donny Ouimette, a 25 year old father of a 4 year old boy.  Donny's sister has identified him.  She feels that no matter what, this should never have happened, but she must keep in mind that the video is not released yet.  There could be anything on that video, which shows the totality of the situation as being too much for one man to take.  I am confident that we will notice that there was no need for the fight to have happened, yet it was brought on by the deceased men.  I highly doubt the guard would be allowed to roam free otherwise.  It is too bad that Donny had to pay with his life for being a fool.  If Donny was spreading love around that night, he would still be here.  

Dissecting What Homicide Detectives are Saying

It is obvious that Det. Terry Browne is siding with the security guard.  Near the 1 minute mark of his news update he is asked about the justification of the guard shooting the two men, and he answers by subtly siding with the guard it seems.  A report asks, "was the guard provoked," and Det. Browne responds by saying the words "well certainly" and then hesitates, and then he says "we've had a number of witnesses come forward....from what I can see, there certainly is a physical altercation."  I feel that he is siding with the security guard here, as he mentions the physical altercation in response to the question of if the guard was provoked.  It appears that the guard was sticking up for himself, and that the only question that remains is whether this guy was ganged up on to the point of lawfully discharging his firearm.

Guards Don't Seek Trouble 

The guard was looking for a bite to eat, when the unruly deceased men approached, and seemingly started an altercation with the security guard.  The way the detective spoke, there was a large altercation with the guard in the middle of it, and it seems as though he shot the 2 in self-defense, although the detective was unwilling to state this today.  In the words of Det. Terry Browne, it is a "complex and complicated" case that does not seem exactly as the videos portray.

I think we will see the public rally behind the guard, as the two deceased were causing harm.  I don't think anyone deserves to die, but we do need to protect the rights of people to live in the city, and feel at peace when they are out.  If the video is released and it shows the two men punching the guard, it would be fair to say that the totality of two people punching and kicking you is worthy of discharging a weapon and firing.  The question remains; why would someone try to rob an armed security guard?  It appears that drinking may of had a role in this, and simply because the guard was in uniform, these punks thought they could get away mocking him, and then taking his money.  

I think it is interesting to note that the video tells a story, but the cops now need more witnesses in order to provide the audio and match it to the video.  I think the time has come for audio to be picked up where cameras are located.  The cop even describes the scene as not obvious to what is shown on the video, and the only way they can get the true story is if more people come forward.  

Perhaps this incident will be a reminder for people to treat others with respect.  If the video is released, and it shows the guard at fault, I would be surprised, but be would need to then punish him accordingly.  I strongly believe that this man was scared for his life, and that 3 assailants attempted to inflict demonstrable harm on him, and that he most likely acted justifiably in shooting the suspects.