Arrest in Shots Fired at Restaurant

Toronto Police have made an arrest two days after shots were fired at a Jewish-owned business in the city.

At around 1:28 a.m. last Friday, a suspect shot multiple rounds at a restaurant before driving away.

“We have been in close contact with the business owner, who was understandably very shaken,” Chief Myron Demkiw, said at a news conference at police headquarters on April 8. “While there were no reported injuries, this kind of attack leaves a real impact on people’s sense of security and, in this case, particularly within Toronto’s Jewish community.”

Mohamed Mahdi, 30, of Brampton, is facing four firearm-related charges.

Demkiw said the investigation is active and ongoing.

“One of the reasons our officers were able to identify the suspect quickly is because of or enhanced deployment in the area, both overt and covert,” he said. “Specifically in the case, covert assets saw the suspect fleeing and gathered critical information that led to his arrest. We don’t want this kind of violence in Toronto. This is why we set up Project Resolute, Task Force Guardian and other initiatives to protect our communities. And this is why we will continue to hunt down whoever is responsible for this and other similar shootings in the city. This is a whole-of-service effort.”

The Chief thanked members of the Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force, Emergency Management & Public Order and Intelligence Services for their essential work last weekend.

He also said the new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, which includes the Hate Crime Unit, also participated in the investigation.

“Our response has been quick, and our response has been integrated,” he added. “Today, we send a clear message to whoever else is thinking of targeting our communities that we will do everything we can to stop you and hold you accountable.”

Superintendent Ryan Forde of Organized Crime Enforcement said this was the second time this business was targeted.

“Officers were already in the area as part of our increased deployment in Jewish neighbourhoods, particularly around Passover,” he said. “They responded immediately and were able to begin gathering critical information, including the vehicle description and license plate. From there, investigators moved quickly, canvassing for video, collecting evidence and identifying the individual believed to be responsible.”

A search warrant was executed in Brampton, leading to the suspect’s arrest and the seizure of additional evidence.

“This is a clear example of how targeted deployments and proactive policing are making a difference,” Forde said. “Having the right resources in place allowed officers to respond without delay and quickly identify and arrest the person believed to be responsible.”

He noted that officers are investigating why this particular business was targeted twice, whether this incident is connected to other similar incidents and whether additional individuals were involved.

“We recognize the concern this has caused, particularly within the Jewish community, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to keep people safe,” said Forde.

At the news conference, Chief Superintendent Katherine Stephenson said the new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit plays a role in detecting, preventing and disrupting terrorism and violent extremism in Toronto.

“In the case of the firearm discharge this weekend, the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit has been embedded in the investigation and is working closely with the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force,” said Stephenson. “In cases such as this shooting—and in any incident where there is reason to believe hate or extremism may have been a motivating factor—our Counter-Terrorism Security Unit will be involved in these investigations.

“To effectively detect, prevent, and disrupt terrorism and violent extremism, it is essential to examine any potential links to other incidents, threats, or activities, and to better understand associated networks, lone-actor behaviour and online activity.”

She added that the unit also works in partnership with other agencies, including the RCMP and the OPP.

“Given the current global context, the polarization we are seeing online and on our streets, and the radicalization of certain discourse, building Toronto Police counter-terrorism capacity is essential,” Stephenson said, before announcing Superintendent Stefan Prentice will lead the new unit.

“He is well positioned for this role based on his experience in intelligence, his understanding of complex threat assessments, and his ability to translate information into actionable operations,” Stephenson said. “He is a collaborative leader with strong analytical skills and a clear focus on prevention and public safety.”