Two men are facing a total of 26 charges, including three counts of attempted murder, after a police officer was struck in the head by a shotgun pellet Saturday night.

Police were responding to a Beer Store robbery at 8 p.m. near Symington Ave. and Dupont St. when a fleeing suspect fired a shotgun, skinning the officer's forehead.

"He's pretty lucky, that's for sure," said Staff. Sgt. Devin Kealey.

A shotgun was recovered near the scene, he said.

One man was caught hiding in a backyard on Campbell Ave., while police scoured the area with a helicopter for the other man.

Investigators nabbed him just after 11 p.m. in the Eglinton Ave. W. and Keele St. area, about five kilometres north of the shooting.

Jeron Powell, 32, faces 17 charges including attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of an illegal firearm. He will stay in jail until his Feb. 11 court date.

Craig Buckle, 29, is charged with armed robbery, possession of a loaded weapon and several other offences. He is remanded in custody until Jan. 28.

The injured officer was treated at St. Michael's Hospital and released.

During the manhunt, an unoccupied cruiser on the tracks at Wallace Ave. was crunched by a VIA Rail train. The car initially had its flashing lights on, but police say the cold apparently killed the battery.