A 31-year-old man was sentenced to nine years in custody by the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on April 2, 2026, following a violent confrontation with police that began in Markham. The sentencing stems from an incident on July 17, 2025, when officers with the York Regional Police attempted to stop a stolen vehicle near Kennedy Road and Steeles Avenue East.
The driver, Kuot Akol, fled the scene and collided with police vehicles before being cornered near Kennedy Road and Bonis Avenue in Toronto. During the encounter, Akol discharged a firearm at officers. Akol was found guilty of six charges, including aggravated assault of a peace officer, discharging a firearm with intent, and possession of a restricted firearm.
At the time of the July incident, Akol was already on bail for previous firearms offences committed in Toronto between 2022 and 2023. He had removed his GPS tracking device in February 2025, just days before a court appearance related to those earlier charges. Following a conviction for the Toronto offences in February 2025, he was sentenced to eight years in custody. The new nine-year sentence for the events in York Region is to be served consecutively, meaning it will begin after the completion of his previous term.
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween stated that the sentencing reflects the daily dangers faced by officers and highlighted the risks posed by repeat offenders carrying illegal firearms. He noted that such incidents remain a serious concern for the safety of both the public and law enforcement. The police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety in connection with this case.
