Security guard killed in Thanksgiving shooting at Pickering casino

Police on scene of a shooting at the Pickering Casino Resort on Oct. 9, 2023. CITYNEWS/Karim Islam

By Dilshad Burman

Posted October 9, 2023 7:12 am.

Last Updated October 9, 2023 1:34 pm.

Durham Regional Police are investigating a fatal shooting at the Pickering Casino Resort.

Police were called to the resort around 5 a.m. Monday morning for numerous shots fired at the casino.

The casino was evacuated and a man was found with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.

The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand, who was a security guard at the resort.

Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss says the victim was “doing his job” when he was shot and killed. Police are looking for “multiple males and females” who fled the scene.

She added that the shooting did not appear to be targeted.

The homicide unit has taken over and the casino and hotel at the resort are closed for the investigation.

Members of the public are being asked to stay out of the area at this time.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

TDSB begins suspending students for not being up-to-date on mandatory vaccinations

More than 170 Grade 11 students at 21 Toronto District School Board (TDSB) schools were suspended on Tuesday for not being up-to-date on mandatory vaccines -- and that's just the proverbial tip of the...

3h ago

Octavio Dotel, who once held record of pitching for 13 major league teams, dies in DR roof collapse

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Octavio Dotel, who pitched for 13 major league teams in a 15-year career and won a world championship with the St. Louis Cardinals, was among the dead after a...

1h ago

Ontario government open to discussions with City of Toronto over removal of bike lanes

The Ontario government may be easing off the idea of removing bike lanes from main arterial roads in Toronto as a result of discussions taking place with the city. The Ford government has been working...

1h ago

Projected Eglinton Crosstown opening timeframe still not clear as final western extension tunnelling begins

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project is in its 14th calendar year, but as western extension tunnelling gets close to finishing, we're still not closer to knowing the main line's current projected opening...

35m ago

Top Stories

TDSB begins suspending students for not being up-to-date on mandatory vaccinations

More than 170 Grade 11 students at 21 Toronto District School Board (TDSB) schools were suspended on Tuesday for not being up-to-date on mandatory vaccines -- and that's just the proverbial tip of the...

3h ago

Octavio Dotel, who once held record of pitching for 13 major league teams, dies in DR roof collapse

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Octavio Dotel, who pitched for 13 major league teams in a 15-year career and won a world championship with the St. Louis Cardinals, was among the dead after a...

1h ago

Ontario government open to discussions with City of Toronto over removal of bike lanes

The Ontario government may be easing off the idea of removing bike lanes from main arterial roads in Toronto as a result of discussions taking place with the city. The Ford government has been working...

1h ago

Projected Eglinton Crosstown opening timeframe still not clear as final western extension tunnelling begins

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project is in its 14th calendar year, but as western extension tunnelling gets close to finishing, we're still not closer to knowing the main line's current projected opening...

35m ago

Most Watched Today

2:06

Art Meets Healing in Toronto Hospitals

Many people feel anxious when going to the hospital so a not for profit organization is hoping to help people by installing art to help make people feel better. Brandon Rowe takes a closer look at this effort.

51m ago

5:19

Canadian business owners on tiny Australian island hit by Trump's tariffs

Caryn Ceolin is joined by Canadian couple Rachel Evans and Jesse Schiller, who are likely the only business owners on a relatively anonymous Australian island to be directly affected by Trump's tariffs.

8h ago

2:27

Local business fighting to save glamping retreat after devastating ice storm

Glen Oro Eco Retreat has been devastated by the ice storm and due to a clause in their insurance, they're paying out of pocket. The family-run business is calling on the province to help. Michelle Mackey reports.

19h ago

1:47

Man arrested after multiple people injured in Etobicoke collision

A chaotic scene unfolded in Etobicoke on Monday afternoon as up to 11 vehicles were involved in a massive collision sending multiple people to hospital. Melissa Nakhavoly reports.

19h ago

2:26

Emergency room nightmare highlights hospital staffing crisis

Healthcare workers say GTA hospitals are understaffed and over capacity, leading to marathon wait times. Brandon Choghri speaks with a Vaughan resident who says he and his wife spent 14 hours waiting for treatment, with only one doctor on staff.

21h ago