Disturbance in downtown Oshawa leads to charges for man

A “disturbance” in Oshawa has led to charges for a man who allegedly pointed an airsoft gun at police officers.

Durham Police claim a group of unknown men were harassing a business near Simcoe Street South and John Street in downtown Oshawa. Officers responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. on May 23.

At the time one member of the crowd was thought to have a handgun. This man ran when the police arrived and allegedly pulled his gun at the officers when cornered.

He then took off running and tossed the gun over a nearby fence. Officers arrested the man without further issues. Later, the officers recovered the gun and learned it was an airsoft pellet pistol.

William Hayes, 23 of Oshawa, is charged with uttering threats, use of an imitation firearm during an offence, possession of a dangerous weapon, and failure to comply with probation. He remains in custody until a bail hearing.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3887 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).