A man is fighting for his life in hospital after police say he was shot at a Toronto Community Housing building in North York early Monday morning.
It happened near Shoreham Court and Shoreham Drive, in the area of Jane Street and Steeles Avenue West, shortly before 12:30 a.m.
Toronto police say a man in his 20s was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital via emergency run. He remains in hospital in life-threatening condition, they confirmed in an update later on Monday morning.
Investigators have not yet provided detailed suspect descriptions but say two males dressed in black were spotted leaving the area in a dark-coloured sedan.
At the scene, the front door of a townhouse unit is seen riddled with bullet holes, after at least a dozen shots were fired.
The victim was reportedly standing behind that closed door.
CTV News Toronto has obtained photos taken minutes after the shooting. They show officers with weapons drawn and the screen door window smashed out by gunfire.
CTV News Toronto’s John Musselman spoke with a neighbour who heard what happened.
“I just heard people running and a bunch of gunshots, at least eight to 13, 14 shots. It sounded like an automatic handgun, and then running again,” said the woman, who asked to not be identified amid concerns for her safety.
“I looked out my window and I seen the cops coming with their rifles, running around … It was just really crazy.”
‘Concerning for the community’
Duty Insp. Jon Rose told reporters outside 31 Division on Monday that police “recognize that incidents like this are concerning for the community.”
“Investigators are working diligently to determine exactly what happened and to identify those who are responsible,” he said.
Rose added that it is too early to tell if the incident is targeted but said officers will be gathering as much evidence as they can today.
Police say the motive for this shooting is currently not known.
People who live in the area say the gun violence in their community is unsettling.
“It woke up my two daughters. They were freaking out. My son was crying when the shots went off and everything,” the neighbour said.
“Look how many times it’s happened since I moved here. Like I’ve only lived here four years. It’s gotten out of hand.“
Heavy police presence in area
Supt. Jack Gurr, of 31 Division, said there will be a heavy police presence in the area today as officers canvass for witnesses and information.
Police are also urging anyone in the community with video, including doorbell, security, and dash cameras, to contact them.
The guns and gangs task force is leading the investigation with assistance from 31 Division, Gurr said, adding police will also be working with the Toronto Community Housing, which has extensive video surveillance footage of the building.
With files from CTV News Toronto’s John Musselman
