Gang members charged in drive-by shooting of innocent Ontario man walking dog

Three Toronto men with gang affiliations have been charged with attempted murder in a drive-by shooting that left an Ontario man walking his dog with life-threatening injuries.

York Regional Police responded to a weapons call near Schomberg, Ont., 50 kilometres northwest of downtown Toronto, on the morning of February 12, 2023.

When officers arrived, they found a 65-year-old man with gunshot wounds. He was brought to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Investigators say the victim was walking his dog in the area of Centre and Church streets when an SUV sped past at a high rate of speed. Police say the man “innocently gestured” at the vehicle when it turned around and circled back toward him.

The SUV drove at the man, and a person in the front passenger seat fired several rounds at him. Police said 13 shots were fired but could not confirm how many times the victim was hit.

RELATED: Police release suspect sketches after retired Ontario man shot multiple times walking his dog

Investigators say the man has endured a lengthy recovery but is expected to survive.

The investigation carried out by York Regional Police has led officers to believe that the suspects are members of the Mara Salvatrucha street gang — commonly known as MS-13.

Police said an organized crime group hired them to kill a man.

Authorities have called the incident a “cowardly” and “callous” act and said there is no known connection between the victim and the suspect vehicle, noting that the suspects targeted the wrong person.

“It was a poor and innocent man walking his dog in Schomberg that was shot,” Sgt. Clint Whitney told CityNews 680.

On Friday, police identified 27-year-old Carlos Ricardo Gutierrez, 34-year-old Carlos Pena Torrez and 30-year-old Kenny Banchon Urbina. The three men have been charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Between May 18 and June 1, 2023, police executed warrants at various locations in Toronto. Eight people in total were charged in this case, investigators said.

The search warrants led to officers locating a handgun and an AK-47 assault rifle with ammunition. Cocaine and fentanyl were also seized by responding officers.

“We believe there are people out there that would recognize these men,” Sgt. Whitney said. “If anyone does recognize them and has more information, we’re willing to talk to them as soon as possible.”

With files from Michael Ranger of CityNews