'Special' player a native of Durham
Oct 22, 2008 - 03:32 PM
By Jeff Mitchell
DURHAM -- A young man currently being held on charges of attempted murder in connection with a shooting incident in Pickering had embarked on a promising football career in his adopted province of Saskatchewan.
Adrian Charles, 22, a native of Whitby, had established himself as a star running back with the Saskatoon Hilltops of the Canadian Junior Football League, according to media reports from the province.
Mr. Charles was arrested in Saskatoon earlier this month after a lengthy investigation into a shooting incident in Pickering May 24. Durham police said shots were fired at a car as it was being driven behind an industrial plaza at Bayly and Brock streets. Although the BMW was hit by several rounds, the two men inside were not hurt.
Mr. Charles was arrested by RCMP in Saskatoon, then handed over to Durham police and transported back to this jurisdiction, where he is charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. Police said the investigation continues and at least two other suspects are still being sought.
Mr. Charles is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing next Monday in Oshawa.
His arrest interrupted what's being described in Saskatoon as a stellar career in the CJFL, a feeder league for university and professional football programs.
"He's probably one of the best running backs at that age level in the country and I'm including most of the university backs in that (assessment)," said one Saskatchewan journalist, who asked that his name not be used.
"He's pretty special."
Entries on the team website depict Mr. Charles as a key player on a Hilltops team that has gone unbeaten this season, outscoring opponents 311-54. Mr. Charles shattered the Hilltops' single-season rushing record, accumulating 1,236 yards, according to media reports.
Mr. Charles, in his third season with the Hilltops, led them to a national title last year, according to reports.
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