1 man arrested in playground shooting of 2 young sisters in Scarborough
Posted June 16, 2018 11:19 am.
Last Updated June 18, 2018 10:33 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Toronto police say they have charged one man for attempted murder and are looking for two more in the playground shooting of two young sisters in Scarborough.
Two girls, aged 5 and 9, were shot when a man sprayed bullets into a playground at Alton Towers Circle, near McCowan Road and McNicoll Avenue on Thursday afternoon. Police estimate there were about 11 children playing in the park at the time of the shooting.
There was an adult male present that was believed to be the intended target.
A third person suffered minor injuries but was assessed at the scene and not taken to hospital.
Both girls are recovering in hospital.
Sheldon Eriya, 21, of Markham was arrested in Pickering on Friday and is facing seven charges including two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault and discharging a firearm.
Eriya is due back in court on Thursday.
Two other males are currently wanted by police.
Toronto mayor John Tory praised the swift work by police in making the arrest.
“We’ve got to get these people off the street and serve notice to everybody else who carries a gun and who would even think of doing such a thing, they’re going to be rounded up and we’re going to make sure they’re put away,” he said during a public appearance on Saturday.
Tory also said he spoke with the mother of the two young girls wounded and was told they’re both doing “very well.”
The girls’ family released a statement on Saturday evening thanking the community, police and the mayor for their support.
“The response has been overwhelming and we can’t express our gratitude enough,” the family said in the statement released through the Hospital for Sick Children.
“At this time the focus is on the recovery and rehabilitation of the girls,” it said. “We ask that you keep them in your prayers for a speedy recovery.”
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