A suspect patiently waited for his victim to leave a North York community centre before walking over and firing his gun at him several times. Then, the suspect turned around and fired a shot across the street, hitting a young girl who happened to be walking in front of a middle school.
A witness told CTV News that the girl – believed to be under 16 years old – yelled out to the gunman after she saw him shoot at the man who had stepped out of the Oakdale Community Centre. That's when the suspect turned around and fired in her direction.
Toronto police Insp. Randy Carter would not confirm the details during a news conference Thursday afternoon, but said it appears the girl was not a primary target. He could not say whether or not it was a stray bullet that hit her.
The shooting happened shortly before 10 a.m. outside Oakdale Park Middle School on Grandravine Drive, located just east of Jane Street, south of Finch Avenue.
The young woman, who was found on the front lawn of the school, was taken to hospital suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the ankle. There are reports the principal of the middle school heard the shots, ran out and helped the girl.
The young man was taken to another hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Though he suffered life-threatening injuries, he is conscious and in stable condition, according to Carter.
The Toronto District School Board confirms the female victim is not a student at the middle school but police refused to say what school she attends and why she was in the area.
Police are taking statements from witnesses and plan to set up a command site near the crime scene.
"We have had an immense number of calls from members of the community already, which are very helpful," Carter said.
There are no suspects in custody and police say they are looking for a tall, young male, who fled in a vehicle. There have been reports of a silver car spotted leaving the scene.
"The description is varied right now, so we have to be careful," Carter said.
Oakdale Park Middle School, Topcliff Public School and Yorkwoods Public School, were placed under hold and secure orders in the aftermath of the shooting, but those orders were lifted around 12 p.m.
Many of the students told reporters that they are now afraid because of the double shooting.
Shari Schwartz-Maltz, TDSB Spokesperson, told reporters at the scene that a number of social workers have been summoned to the school and will be speaking with students.
"Several social workers are already here and there are more to come" she said. "If it takes one day or it takes seven days, it doesn't matter. Our team is here and they are ready to help these kids."
Ward 9 York Centre Coun. Maria Augimeri saw the crime scene early Thursday afternoon and said she noticed two bullet holes in a local community centre and a "great deal of blood" on the ground.
"I can't tell you what a pall has been put on this community today," she told CP24 at the scene. "This was a shooting that could happen anywhere at any time. It is not specific to this community. In fact this community is filled with very proud people who are happy to be living here. It is a tragic day."
