Even if the public has an axe to grind with the decision, Toronto Police stand behind their call to return a hatchet to a protester they had in handcuffs.

“Officers determined the axe was ceremonial and not used as a weapon or to threaten anyone,” Toronto Police spokesperson Stephanie Miceli said. “There are no grounds to lay charges.”

But at one point, they did have the man in handcuffs at Spadina Ave. at Bloor St. at an Every Child Matters demonstration rally in support of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday after a complaint from an independent journalist sparked an alleged assault investigation.

Many people were in shock to see a blade with a base that looked like a miniature axe looped through the man’s pants when police searched him.

They were even more surpris

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