A 'Miracle' No Injuries in Gunfight

Investigators displayed 16 firearms seized after a reckless exchange of gunfire by two groups at Queen St. W. and Sudbury St. that left police officers in the crossfire.

“It happened in a busy part of our city, where countless lives were at risk. It is a miracle that no one was injured or killed,” Staff Superintendent Joe Matthews said, at a news conference on November 14.

“These weapons serve as a stark reminder of the real and present danger that illegal firearms pose to our community, to innocent citizens, and to our officers who bravely respond to these incidents,” “What makes this situation even more alarming is the context in which these firearms were found. The individuals arrested were attending a birthday party at this location. Not only were they allegedly brazenly displaying these weapons on social media, but they also brought these firearms out into our streets, and engaged in a reckless exchange of gunfire.”

It’s alleged that plainclothes officers were in the midst of a bail compliance investigation and were following a stolen vehicle at 11:20 p.m. on November 11, when three people exited the car and fired approximately 50 rounds into a building.

Several people inside came out to return fire, striking an unmarked police vehicle with two police officers inside as the original shooters took cover behind the car.

Another plainclothes vehicle struck the stolen car as they tried to flee. The three occupants feld on foot and one of them was arrested.

In total, 23 people were arrested, eight have been charged, and 16 firearms were seized, including two assault-style rifles and multiple handguns. This is an ongoing investigation and more charges are anticipated.

"These weapons serve as a stark reminder of the real and present danger that illegal firearms pose to our community, to innocent citizens, and to our officers who bravely respond to these incidents," said Staff Superintendent Matthews. "If you know of anyone who is in possession of illegal firearms, please come forward. Share what you know with us, call Crime Stoppers, so we can take these weapons off our streets before another incident like this occurs. Together, we can make our city safer."

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that one of the arrested parties in the shooting was a suspect wanted in the homicide of Matthew Bergart, 30, on April 25 this year. It’s alleged that the murder took place during a break and enter.

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, a 16-year-old male youth, of Brampton, was charged with Second Degree Murder. He was also among those charged with firearms offences.

For full list of charges, read the News Release.