Officer hit by motorcyclist who fled scene: Toronto police

A police officer is recovering in hospital after being struck by a motorcyclist who fled the scene in downtown Toronto Saturday evening, police say.

DutyInsp.ScottShutt told reporters the motorcyclist was seen stunt driving near Lake Shore Boulevard W. and Rees Street area, near the Rogers Centre stadium, just before 6 p.m.

The motorcycle was "popping wheelies," according to a news release.

"One of our officers tried to stop this vehicle ... when they were struck by this motorcycle," Shutt said. "The motorcyclist then failed to remain and fled the scene."

The officer was brought to hospital with serious injuries, but those have now been downgraded and the officer is "in good spirits," Shutt said.

Investigators are working to identify and locate the driver. They've released a photo and are asking anyone with information, including any dash cam taken in the area around the time of the incident, to come forward.

The suspect is described by police as a male who waswearing a green helmet, green and blue coloured shirt, grey pants, red gloves and white and grey Nike Jordan shoes. He was riding a blue and red sportsbike.

"To the driver himself, if you're watching this, please turn yourself in and get yourself a lawyer, because I believe we will be tracking you down," Shutt said.

This is the second time this month that a Toronto police officer has been hit by a motorcyclist who then fled the scene. On Aug. 7, an officer suffered minor injuries after being struck near Lake Shore Boulevard W. and New Brunswick Way.