A 30-year-old man is dead following a shooting in Toronto’s west-end late Friday night, as homicide investigators now begin their search for three suspects.
Police say officers were called to the area of Scarlettwood Road and Scarlettwood Court, near Scarlett Road and Lawrence Avenue West, shortly after 10 p.m. after receiving reports of the sound of gunshots.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday morning, Det. Sgt. Nathan Gibson, of Toronto Police Service, said when they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in a parking lot.
“Life-saving measures were initiated immediately, until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to hospital by ambulance. However, he was sadly pronounced deceased at hospital,” he said.
The victim has now been identified as 30-year-old Ahmed-Nur Ismail, of Toronto. He is the city’s sixth murder victim of the year.
Police say a total of three suspects entered Scarlettwood Court and opened fire at the victim and his vehicle before fleeing the area.
“We know at this time we’re looking for three unknown suspects,” Gibson said.
“Three unknown suspects entered Scarlettwood Court and engaged in gunfire at the victim and his vehicle.”
In a news release, they said the suspects fled the area in a vehicle prior to police arrival.
Gibson added that investigators have already begun canvassing the neighbourhood and reviewing video from those who witnessed the incident.
“As we’ve conducted our canvas, I can tell you that we’ve run into people that were there at the time. We’ve reviewed some video,” he said.
While the investigation is in its early stages, the detective sergeant noted that he is limited on what he can and cannot share.
“It’s very early stages of this investigation. I don’t want to disclose too much. I can tell you, but the victim was in a vehicle,” Gibson explained.
Officials say residents in the area can expect to see an increased police presence as the investigation continues.
Gibson said an incident like this “impacts the entire neighborhood,” adding that he and his team are committed to conducting a full and thorough investigation.
Anyone with further information, including security or dashcam footage from the area at around 10:10 p.m., last night is asked to contact Toronto police’s homicide squad at 417-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
