Brave actions earn North York police officer honours
Off-duty constable takes control of erratic cab
Const. Alan Fujino of North York's 33 Division was off duty when he spotted a heavily damaged cab being driven erratically on Danforth Avenue Aug. 31. 
The westbound taxi entered the eastbound lanes and nearly struck several vehicles, including Fujino's.
The officer turned his vehicle around and followed the cab, which had been involved in five hit-and-run collisions and had also ran a red light, narrowly missing several pedestrians.
When the taxi came to a stop, Fujino went to its driver's side but couldn't open the door. He then climbed into the cab through an open passenger-side window, identified himself as a police officer and removed the keys.
The driver, who police allege was under the influence of crack cocaine and was out on bail from previous drug offences, was taken into custody. Police found two crack pipes on him.
Fujino was recognized for his brave actions and dedication to duty during a ceremony at police headquarters Tuesday afternoon.
Also honoured were Det. Sgt. Bryan Bott and Const. Hunter Smith, who investigated the April 2004 shooting of Louise Russo.
Russo was left paralyzed from the chest down after being shot in the back while waiting for her food order inside the California Sandwiches restaurant at Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue.
As a result of the investigation, eight people were arrested and 121 charges were laid. The four primary suspects entered guilty pleas before trail in 2006.�A total of 23 officers were honoured during Tuesday's ceremony.
An officer of the year will be chosen from among the award recipients on June 12.
