A 22-year-old man has been killed and two others seriously injured in what Toronto police believe was a targeted shooting in North York, with investigators searching for three masked suspects who fled in a stolen vehicle before setting it ablaze.
Emergency crews were called to the area of Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue West at about 11:08 p.m. on Friday following reports of gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found three men in their 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Abdihamiim Aden, 22, of Toronto, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two other victims were taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Det. Sgt. Sandra Arruda said investigators believe the attack was targeted, although the motive remains under investigation.
“It’s very early in our investigation, but it does appear that this shooting was targeted and currently the motive is under investigation,” Arruda said.
Police said three suspects fled the scene in a black Honda Civic that had been reported stolen in North York several days earlier.
The suspects are all believed to be male, described as tall and lanky, and were dressed entirely in black while wearing masks.
Investigators later located the suspected getaway vehicle shortly after 3 a.m. in the area of Finch Gate Boulevard and Clark Boulevard in Brampton, where it had been deliberately set on fire.
Police are examining the burned-out vehicle for forensic evidence as part of the homicide investigation.
“We understand that incidents like this can cause concern within the community,” Arruda said. “I want to assure the residents of this community that we are putting in all our resources to be in this neighbourhood, and where the vehicle was located, to find all the evidence that we need to solve this murder.”
Officers remained at both scenes throughout Saturday collecting evidence and speaking with potential witnesses.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has dashcam, security or cellphone footage from the area around the time of the attack to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact Toronto Police’s Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
