Arrests in Mass Shooting
Toronto Police arrested 10 people, laid 203 charges and seized four firearms in relation to five separation shootings, including a mass shooting at a Scarborough pub, a robbery and a stolen vehicle investigation.
On March 7, three suspects entered a pub in the area of Progress Ave. and Corporate Dr. and opened fire inside, striking nine people.
“No one was killed, which is a miracle, but the effects of this mass shooting remain devastating for the victims and for the sense of safety in our communities,” Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference police headquarters on June 4. “The indiscriminate nature of this gun violence is hard to comprehend.”
After the March 7 shooting at the pub, a dedicated investigative project team – Project Night Hawk – was established.
Working closely with law enforcement agencies, investigators identified individuals believed to be responsible. As the investigation progressed, connections were made between the mass shooting, a robbery in Mississauga and several other previously unsolved shooting and firearm discharge incidents in Toronto.
On March 4, suspects arrived in a stolen vehicle in the Weston Rd. and St. Clair Ave. W. area, shot and injured a person who was walking and drove to a nearby tow yard where they opened fire on a second victim who sustained life-threatening injuries.
Later that night, the same suspects drove the stolen vehicle to a gas station in the Lawrence Ave. E. and Warden Ave. area where they ambushed a man washing his car, shooting him without warning. He was seriously injured.
It is also alleged that two suspects arrived at a tow yard in the West Mall and Queensway area on March 6 and opened fire. They fled the area in a stolen vehicle and no one was reported injured.
On April 11, four males in a stolen vehicle attempted to enter a financial institution in the McLaughlin Rd. and Matheson Blvd. W. area, but were unsuccessful.
Police later stopped the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. Two suspects were arrested and a loaded handgun with an extended magazine were recovered.
On May 26, police located a stolen vehicle and arrested two occupants in the Finch Ave. W. and Jane St. area. A loaded firearm was recovered.
“In many of the cases, suspects arrived in stolen vehicles, opened fire and fled,” said Superintendent Paul MacIntyre who is the Organized Crime Enforcement Unit Commander. “In others, loaded firearms were recovered following arrests made during traffic stops involving stolen vehicles. Each incident was connected and brought investigators one step closer to identifying those responsible. They never stopped working.”
One man, 20-year-old Daykwon Joseph of Toronto, remains wanted by police.
Police allege he was involved in two shootings on March 4.
Demkiw said a meticulous investigation led to the arrests and firearm seizures.
“It was diligent police work, knocking on doors, chasing down leads and talking to witnesses,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of our members for their determination to bring dangerous suspects to justice and prevent further harm.”
Demkiw thanked the Centre of Forensic Sciences along with Brantford, Durham, Halton, and York Regional police services for their support.
“We were able to help the Brantford Police, the Durham Regional Police Service and York Regional Police with some of their outstanding occurrences as well,” he said. “This underlines the importance of collaboration in these investigations.”
The Chief also addressed the June 3 shooting in the Flemingdon Rd. and Zachary Court area that left a 31-year-old man dead and five other people suffering injuries. This is the city's 13th homicide this year.
“The investigation continues to evolve as we speak,” he said. “We are looking for multiple suspects. We will share additional details, including suspect information as soon as we are able. This kind of violence causes a lot of pain and anxiety in our communities. We will do everything we can to find those responsible for last night’s brazen violence in Lawrence Heights. Please be assured that investigators are working diligently to determine what took place and hold accountable those who are responsible. This kind of brazen violence, this disregard for human life is completely unacceptable.”
Demkiw said these incidents underscore the importance of law reform that Toronto Police is seeking, including law reform concerning shootings in public spaces.
“Furthermore, we also continue to support discussions around bail reform,” he said.
Demkiw said he has been in contact with Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and is looking forward to further discussions concerning public safety in Toronto.
“Members of our Service and members of our communities continue to witness the horrific, traumatic and life-altering impact that gun violence has on our city,” he said. “This needs to stop. We will continue to do everything we can to take dangerous guns and criminals off our streets. This needs to stop. We will do everything we can to take dangerous guns and criminals off our streets.”
