Suspect in GTA shooting rampage had long criminal history, court docs show
Posted September 14, 2022 3:14 pm.
Last Updated September 14, 2022 6:41 pm.
The suspect in a shooting rampage that killed a Toronto police officer and an auto shop owner had an extensive criminal record, including gang ties, according to court documents.
Parole Board of Canada files obtained by CityNews indicate the man believed to be behind Monday’s shootings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) had a history of robbery, drug trafficking and weapon possession.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has not released the suspect’s name because they say his family has not provided consent but sources close to the investigation, who aren’t authorized to speak publicly, have identified the man as 40-year-old Sean Petrie.
The SIU has said four police officers shot at Petrie, who died after a confrontation in a Hamilton cemetery.
Parole Board of Canada documents said Petrie was banned from parts of northwest Toronto after he was released from prison in 2010. The document, dated August 18, 2010, also mentioned that Petrie was restricted from associating with people tied to criminal activity and gangs.
Sean Petrie court documents by CityNewsToronto on Scribd
The funeral for the Milton auto shop owner killed in the shooting spree was held this afternoon in Mississauga.
Shakeel Ashraf was fatally shot on Monday after Petrie allegedly shot and killed a Toronto police officer in Mississauga earlier in the day.
CityNews confirmed through sources that the suspect was an employee of Ashraf’s at the Milton auto shop.
The family of the Toronto police officer issued a statement on Tuesday, saying they are “overwhelmed with the love and support” that has come in the hours since his death.
Police say a book of condolences will be set up this week to allow the public to pay its respects to Const. Andrew Hong.
In the statement, Hong’s family said his absence has “left a gaping hole in the hearts of our family, the police family, and everyone who knew and loved Andrew.”
With files from The Canadian Press and Tina Yazdani of CityNews
