Police searching for Toronto rapper wanted for first-degree murder

On January 31, 2021 at 8:56 pm, Toronto police responded the area of Jane Street and Falstaff Avenue for multiple reports of gunshots.

The victim, identified as Hashim Omar Hashi, was attempting to drive his car into the garage on an apartment building when the suspect approached the passenger side and shot at him numerous times.

Authorities reported Hashi dead at the scene.

Hassan Ali, 22, also known as the Toronto rapper named Top5, was brought in two weeks after the shooting in connection with the incident, CP24 reports.

He was initially charged with accessory after the fact to murder, failure to comply with probation, and drug-related offenses.

Police announced Thursday the the charges against Ali have been upgraded to first-degree murder and three counts of failure to comply with recognizance.

Police did not reveal how or why Ali had initially been released from custody, but are reaching out to the community for any information on his whereabouts.

"He is believed to be violent and dangerous. Do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately,” police said.