Toronto shooting rampage leaves 2 dead, 12 wounded

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada

The scene of a shooting in a busy Toronto neighbourhood that left three dead and 12 wounded remained closed Monday as police investigated the crime.

A lone male armed with a handgun shot into restaurants, crowds on people and shops as he walked along Danforth Avenue in the city’s east end Sunday night. It is a popular area known as Greektown for the proliferation of Greek eating establishments and shops and attracts large numbers of people in the summer months.

Authorities say police arrived and exchanged gunfire with the male, who was killed either by police or a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police are urging people who have information on the shooting, including video, to come forward as authorities try to establish a motive.

“I’m looking at every single possible motive for this,” said Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders. “When you have this many struck by gunfire it’s a grave concern.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory visited the area when he was informed of the shooting.

“Tonight, a despicable act has been perpetrated on the Danforth in our city,” he said in a statement. “On behalf of all Toronto residents, I am outraged that someone has unleashed such a terrible attack on our city and people innocently enjoying a Sunday evening.”

Mass shooting are rare in Canada’s largest city.

He said the city was recovering for a vehicle attack in April that killed 10 and injured 15 others. The driver in that attack was charged with 10 counts of murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.

“We were so used to living in a city where these things didn’t happen,” said Tory. “But there are things that happen nowadays and they are just unspeakable.”

One video of the shooting Sunday showed a man walking along the sidewalk and shooting into groups of people several times. Witnesses estimated the number of shots fired from a dozen to 20.

Police said the suspect was 29-years-old but did not release any other information on his identity.