A woman is dead after a “targeted” shooting early Friday morning in Etobicoke, police say.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting along a residential street in the area of Humberwood and Rexdale boulevards shortly after 7 a.m.
When officers arrived, they say they found an adult woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Speaking to reporters , Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury said investigators are withholding the victim’s identity while next of kin are notified.
“The victim in this case is an adult female, and because we’re in the early stages of the investigation, and next of kin has not been notified, we’re not releasing further information on her identity,” he said.
Police say an adult man was seen fleeing the area shortly after the shooting.
Investigators believe the victim was specifically targeted and say there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“We feel that this is a localized issue, meaning that this woman was targeted, and that there’s no extra risk to the neighbors,” Bradbury said.
A witness who was drinking coffee nearby told CP24 he saw a man approach the woman and speak with her for about 30 seconds before opening fire.
“I saw a guy talking to her a little bit like for 30 seconds… then he shot the girl, and he walked away to the southbound of (Hwy.) 427, that’s what I saw," he said.
He said the shooting has shaken his sense of safety in the neighbourhood.
“I’ve lived here for about six, seven years… I think it was really safe here, but I don’t think it’s safe now," he said.
Police say homicide investigators remain at the scene and officers will continue canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage.
“You will see an increased presence of police conducting investigations, knocking on doors, trying to find witnesses, and additional video evidence that may be here,” Bradbury said.
The Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. As a result, Humberwood Boulevard remains closed between Morning Star Drive and Rexdale Boulevard.
Anyone with information is asked to come forward and contact Toronto police at 416-808-2222.
