17-year-old wanted on Canada-wide warrant for murder of security guard at Pickering casino

A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for a teen suspect in connection with the shooting death of a security guard at a Pickering casino last month.

In an update into the investigation on Nov. 7, investigators from Durham Regional Police say a 17-year-old is wanted for second-degree murder in the fatal shooting at Pickering Casino Resort on Thanksgiving.

Officers were called to the entertainment complex in the early morning hours of Oct. 9 for reports of an armed person. A man was found at the scene with a life-threatening gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand, who was a security guard at the resort. Investigators said he was fatally shot while working inside the casino.

“He was senselessly shot and killed,” said Det.-Sgt. Brad Corner during Wednesday’s update. “The motive for the attack is still under investigation, it doesn’t appear at this point to be a planned attack.”

Police have identified a 17-year-old as a suspect in the shooting. Investigators say he has no fixed address but believe he has ties to the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue area in Toronto.

Investigators were granted permission by the courts to release the identity and description of the suspect even though he is a minor. However, that order expired on Nov. 11.

“There is currently a Canada-wide warrant out for [him] for second-degree murder,” said Corner. “He is considered to be armed and dangerous.”

“If you see (him) please call 911 immediately, and do not approach him.”

Corner added that anyone who is found to be assisting the suspect from evading police will be “prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Anyone who has information on the suspect’s whereabouts is being asked to contact the Durham Regional Police Homicide Unit.