‘Extremely disturbing:’ 1 dead, 7 injured in 4 separate Toronto shootings on Sunday
Posted June 19, 2022 4:27 pm.
Last Updated June 20, 2022 5:23 pm.
A violent Father’s Day in Toronto saw four separate shootings in a six-hour span that left a man dead and seven other people, including two teens, injured on Sunday.
A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were rushed to hospital with serious injuries after they were shot in the city’s west end in the afternoon.
The victims were found shot in a parking lot in the area of Humber Boulevard and Alliance Avenue around 2:45 p.m. and police say up to 15 shots were heard.
“It’s concerning, right, especially with young people being shot,” said Toronto police Const. Alex Li. “It’s tough any day but especially on Father’s Day, and many of us are fathers and this hits home.”
Police are also investigating two more shootings on Sunday afternoon that happened shortly after.
One 43-year-old man is in critical but stable condition after he was found shot in the area of Allen Road and Eglinton Avenue around 4:15 p.m.
Around 15 minutes later, police responded to the area of Caledonia Road and Lawrence Avenue West after getting reports of multiple gunshots.
A man in his 20s was found at the scene without vital signs and was pronounced dead shortly after. He was identified as 24-year-old Jaron Williams of Toronto.
Four suspects were seen fleeing that area in a getaway vehicle immediately following the shooting. Police say the suspect vehicle is described as a 2010-2015 beige or champagne-coloured Chevrolet Equinox.
Homicide investigators believe both of those shootings are connected due to the timeline in which the crimes occurred.
A man in his 20s was found at the scene without vital signs and was pronounced dead shortly after. He was identified as 24-year-old Jaron Williams of Toronto. Photo: TPS.
Four more people are in hospital after a shooting at an unsanctioned car rally in Scarborough near McCowan Road and Milner Avenue around 9 p.m.
Paramedics say one male has severe and life-altering injuries, two males have severe injuries, and a female has minor injuries.
“These separate incidents, although isolated in their totality, we are concerned,” says Li. “The message for the community is to ‘be aware of your surroundings.”
In an update on Monday, Toronto Police Supt. Steven Watts says the seven injured victims from the separate shootings are all expected to survive.
Police continue to investigate each incident and do not believe any of the shootings are connected. No suspect descriptions have been released.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact the police.
Mayor Tory responds to Father’s Day gun violence
The spate of gun violence prompted a response from Mayor John Tory who says it is unacceptable and calls the string of shootings “extremely disturbing.”
Tory tweeted early Monday morning advising he has spoken with Toronto Police Chief James Ramer about the incidents.
I have spoken to Chief @jamesramertps and I know police are working to solve each case and ensure those who engage in gun violence in our city are brought to justice.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) June 20, 2022
“I will continue to support the police – including our guns and gangs task force – doing all they can to stop gun violence,” Tory says.
“I will also continue to support the investments our city has made and that all governments should be making in kids and families by providing programs that work to address the roots of gun violence.”
