PEEL Regional Police constables Manikosh Pathak and Jason Beccario have been awarded the Ontario Medal of Bravery by Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell for their courage and poise under extreme pressure while apprehending an armed and dangerous individual.
“Every day, Peel Regional Police officers unfailingly accept the inherent dangers that can accompany patrolling our streets in order to keep our community safe. What transpired one June evening in 2016 was an example of how quickly things can escalate and how the thorough training of our members prepared them to produce the best outcome of a highly unpredictable situation,” said a police spokesperson.
On June 8, 2016, Beccario and Pathak responded to a 911 call of a male and female fighting within the 21 Division area of Brampton. The involved suspect was uncooperative and resisted de-escalation efforts. He physically resisted and attempted to assault the officers.
While the officers were attempting to arrest the male, he pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired a round at close range at Beccario, less than 12 inches from his torso. As Beccario and Pathak drew their firearms, the suspect fired several more shots at the officers. Despite multiple attempts to shoot and kill them, Pathak and Beccario displayed incredible courage and dedication in protecting the community by continuing to pursue the fleeing suspect while under fire as additional officers arrived on scene.
“Knowing the dangers presented to anyone who encountered this suspect, our officers placed themselves at risk to ensure that this dangerous offender was apprehended. Ultimately, this suspect was arrested and later convicted of attempted murder. Our community is that much safer with a dangerous offender off our streets due to this incredible act of bravery by Constables Beccario and Pathak,” the police spokesperson noted.
“We congratulate and commend Constable Beccario and Constable Pathak as recipients of the Ontario Medal of Bravery and for their professionalism, confidence in their training, and ability to control a chaotic event to ensure no members of the public were harmed,” the spokesperson added.
