Toronto police say they have arrested 23 people after close to 100 shots were fired outside a recording studio in Toronto’s west end on Monday night — though no one was injured.
Officers were in the area of Queen Street W. and Sudbury Street around 11:20 p.m. for an unrelated investigation, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said at a news conference Tuesday morning. Police Chief Myron Demkiw said later Tuesday they were conducting a bail compliance check.
A stolen car pulled up to the area, Pogue said, and three people exited the vehicle and opened fire on the recording studio and the people gathered outside.
Pogue said the violence escalated into an exchange of gunfire between two groups.
During the gunfire, an unmarked police vehicle with officers inside was struck by bullets, she said.
“I want to stress how remarkable it is that in such a volatile and dangerous situation, nobody was injured,” she said. “No bystanders, not the individuals involved and not our officers.”
Demkiw told the city’s police board that he’s grateful the officers weren’t hurt.
“Our plainclothes officers found themselves in the middle of the gunfight between these rival groups, their unmarked vehicle was struck multiple times,” he said, before stressing the extreme risk the shootout posed.
“Gunfire in our public spaces must be recognized for the harm it causes not just for those involved directly, but for bystanders and the public at large.”
2 suspects are outstanding, police say
Police boxed in the stolen vehicle after the three people who initially started firing attempted to flee, Pogue said.
One was arrested after being chased on foot, she said. The other two are still outstanding.
Officers then searched the area and found several firearms, likely discarded by the fleeing suspects, Pogue said. They also arrested several people inside the recording studio, as well as others who were trying to flee.
More firearms were found in the studio, including on the rooftop and hidden in nearby garbage bins, she said.
In total, police seized 16 firearms, including two assault style rifles and multiple handguns, Pogue said.
She said the incident appears to be highly targeted and police don’t feel there is a threat to the community.
The shooting has “all the signs” of a gang-related conflict, but the investigation is ongoing, she said.
Pogue said police will provide more information about the charges in a news release.
Forensic identification specialists are still gathering evidence at the scene, she said.
Police chased men along GO train tracks: witness
Alyssa Wiebe, who lives in a building on Sudbury Street, said she was in bed on Monday night when she heard about 15 popping sounds.
At first, she said she thought the noise was fireworks, but after going out on her balcony, she realized it was gunshots.
Wiebe said she watched police officers chase two men who were running along the GO Train tracks. She said she saw police arrest one of the men.
“They were looking in the bushes near where they arrested him,” she said.
Special constables, Metrolinx workers, firefighters and an ambulance were on scene, she said.
Despite the shooting, Wiebe said she doesn’t feel particularly at risk.
“There’s a lot of characters in the neighborhood but I’ve never felt unsafe,” she said.
Mayor Olivia Chow said she spoke to Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw about the incident.
“I extended my gratitude for his officers acting swiftly and that no one was hurt,” she said Tuesday morning.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact investigators or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
