Toronto sees multiple shootings over long weekend

Over the long weekend there were a number of shootings in the GTA which raises concerns as the year has already been a particularly violent one for the area.

Between Friday and Monday, there were at least 12 incidents involving gun violence resulting in two deaths and three injuries, according to The Star.

Toronto was already on pace to have its worst year in the past five years as police statistics show that there have been 258 firearm discharge and shooting incidents as of July 27.

That number is up 13 percent from 2019 during the same time period. Deaths increased by 39 percent while shooting-related injuries dropped by 10 percent.

There were two deadly incidents in Vaughan this weekend.

The incidents occurred as follows:

Friday, July 31

11:26 p.m.: A number of gunshots were reported close to Allen Road and Lawrence Avenue West, say police who found shell casings in the area. No injuries were reported.

Sunday, Aug. 2

7:30 a.m.: A man from Peel Region died at the age of 29 following a shooting in Vaughan’s industrial area. Another man was transported to hospital following the incident.

Oshaine Channer’s body was found by officers on Freshway Drive at a building close to highway 407. The second victim directed police to the area where the incident took place after arriving at the hospital, according to York Regional Police.

8:05 a.m.: Police responded to the area of Shoreham Drive and Jane Street following reports of gunshots. There were no injuries reported in connection with the incident.

11 a.m.: A shooting took place close to Mimico Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West. One man received non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.

Police described the suspect as a black male with black running shoes and an adidas tracksuit. The last time the man was seen, he was on Lake Shore Boulevard West running West.

5:30 p.m.: A shooting in Vaughan resulted in the death of one man close to Highway 7 on 8074 Islington Avenue. Police are searching for a black Ford F-150 truck.

6:49 p.m.: Reports of gunshots were made south of Eglinton Avenue near Corvette Avenue and Kennedy Road. Police are searching for two black males with hoodies who ran in the direction of Kennedy Road. Shell casings were found in the area though no injuries were reported.

8:15 p.m.: Police took four men into custody following reports of a gun being flashed at motorists from a white BMW near Highway 401 and McCowan Road. Police are searching for a young male in his 20s.

Officers also recovered the gun and drugs after stopping a vehicle on McCowan Road.

8:46 p.m.: A drive-by shooting took place close to Caledonia Park and there were two people taken into custody. The shooting occurred near Davenport  Road and Caledonia Park Road. Shell casings were found at the scene and a witness told police that gunshots were fired at her car.

9:30 p.m.: A number of calls were reported to police about a shooting close to Scarborough Golf Club Road and Confederation Drive. One house’s front windows were shot out and a number of shell casings at the scene. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

10:59 p.m.: Police arrested two men and are searching for two additional suspects following a carjacking that took place at Yorkdale mall. The suspect stole a Range Rover at gunpoint, according to Const. Edward Parks. Officers are still searching for two black men who left the scene in a black Kia.

Monday, Aug. 3

6 a.m.: Police received reports of shots near Jameson Avenue close to the Gardiner Expressway. Police closed the highway for hours as they investigated shots from a vehicle.

9:36 p.m.: Peel police responded to Huntington Ridge Drive and Mavis Road in Mississauga following reports of gunshots. One male was transported to a trauma centre after being wounded by a gunshot.