Homicide detectives are turning up the pressure on a 23-year-old man wanted for first-degree murder in a King West shooting that left one man dead and a second injured.
At a news conference Wednesday, investigators urged the suspect to turn himself in and warned his family, friends and others they will face charges if they attempt to help him evade capture.
“There are criminal consequences to offering him comfort, shelter or assistance and those who harbour him will be prosecuted accordingly,” Det. Joyce Schertzer told reporters.
Anthony Smith, 21, was killed and a male friend was wounded when they were targeted in a “bold shooting” on King Street West, near Portland Street, last Thursday, Schertzer said.
Police said the men were walking on the north sidewalk when they were approached from behind by an assailant, who fired several gunshots.
“It is clear to us that Anthony Smith was an intended target,” Schertzer said.
Before the early-morning shooting, Smith and friends were in the Entertainment District, according to police.
After reviewing surveillance video from a number of buildings, police have determined there are dozens of eyewitnesses who have not provided a statement to detectives.
In a public plea, Schertzer urged those people “to do the right thing” and contact police to schedule an interview with investigators.
Schertzer also urged the suspect, Nisar Hashimi, to contact his lawyer and turn himself in. In addition to first-degree murder, Hashimi is charged with attempted murder using a firearm.
Detectives previously spoke to Hashimi’s lawyer and made arrangements to take the man into custody Wednesday morning, but Hashimi failed to show up and is still at large, Schertzer said.
Police have asked the Canada Border Services Agency, neighbouring police agencies and other “supportive agencies” to be on the lookout for Hashimi.
Toronto police officers are actively scouring the city for the man.
“Every officer on duty in the city of Toronto has your picture and the chief of police has afforded us every resource available to arrest you,” Schertzer said in a message to Hashimi during the news conference. “You will be apprehended.”
Hashimi is considered armed and dangerous, police said.
Detectives have not released a photo of the man because doing so may harm the investigation. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the nearest police service.
Police are asking anyone with information about the homicide to call investigators at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
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