Three women were shot inside a Brampton strip club Wednesday morning and police are still trying to determine whether they were targeted or caught in the crossfire of a gun battle.
The women were shot inside The Office Gentleman’s Club just before 1:30 a.m. Two of them remain in critical condition though police say their condition has stabilized. A third patient suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile, police have taken over the scene, looking for any clues that will lead them to a suspect.
Investigators are looking to speak with witnesses and are canvassing the area for security cameras that may have captured footage of a suspect or suspects running from the scene.
"There's a possibility that people left the scene," said Const. George Tudos. "We're trying to determine who was at the establishment at the time. We're hoping that if someone left, they will come forward and give information police need to determine who the shooter is and what transpired."
Tudos said police had recovered shell casings at the scene from a firearm that is believed to be a handgun.
Popular event
The shooting happened as the club hosted "Twerk it Tuesdays" -- a popular weekly event that features discounted drinks. The event's promoter said Wednesday that the event had sold out each week since it first began in December.
The promoter, who goes by the name Littles The General, took to Twitter to express his frustration with what unfolded.
“On behalf of the staff at the club, we apologize to the three women shot but we did everything to keep people safe,” he said.
“As the customer, you disrespected YOUR event,” he tweeted. “Anyone who smoked a joint, snuck in a lighter, a knife or in this case a gun.”
The promoter suggested that the venue’s capacity is at 280 and that about “500 people show up each week.”
He also suggested that the club would enforce a dress code and other security measures going forward.
“If you know me, Twerk it Tuesdays isn’t finished,” he said. “Just know when it does come back and rules are enforced, this is a prime example why.”
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