Multiple people suffer gunshot injuries over long weekend in Toronto

Toronto Police/Shutterstock

What started as a relaxing August long weekend quickly became marred with violence, as multiple people suffered gunshot wounds throughout the city.

From Saturday to Monday, police responded to a number of gun-related incidents, with shootings occurring in Liberty Village, near Yorkdale Shopping Centre, in the city’s northwest end, in the Lawrence Heights area, and near Humber Heights to name a few.

Police said the victim’s injuries ranged from not serious to serious but not life-threatening.

SHOOTING:
Flemington Rd & Stockton Rd
– Officers O/S
– Victim located
– Injuries are serious, but not life threatening
– Being transported to hospital
– Officers searching area
– TTC buses in area being re-routed@TTCnotices
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— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 5, 2019

SHOOTING:
Lawrence Ave & Mossbank Dr
– Parking lot
– Reports of someone shot
– Male fleeing in black SUV
– Police O/S
– No victim located
– Male later walked into hospital with gunshot wound
– Injuries not life threatening
– Believed to be victim#GO1480097
^al

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 6, 2019

SHOOTING:
Scarlett Rd & Braeburn Ave
– Multiple gunshots heard
– People seen running from area
– 2 vehicles seen fleeing
– Reports of person shot
– Police O/S
– Victim located, suffering from gunshot wounds
– Injuries not life threatening#GO1479734
^al

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 6, 2019

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On Monday, Mayor John Tory released a statement calling the recent spike of gun violence “absolutely unacceptable.”

“I know Toronto police are working non-stop to find those responsible for these shootings and to bring them to justice,” Tory said. “I urge anyone with information that could help investigators solve these shootings to call police or Crime Stoppers.”

Tory also reiterated the urgency for a handgun ban, adding the ban would address the gun violence in the city and the surrounding region.

“I led city council — joined by other major Canadian cities — in sending a clear message on the need for a ban on handguns, assault rifles, and semi-automatic firearms,” said Tory.

“This was always put forward as a part of the answer to gun violence together with changes to other laws affecting things like bail, additional support for police, and the paramount need for all three governments to invest together in kids, families, and neighbourhoods.”

Tory said these initiatives are “much needed” if Toronto is to stop the spread of guns, help police crackdown on illegal guns and those who have them, and address the root causes of gang and gun activity.