Police say 7 injured in Scarborough mass shooting, 3 suspects still on the run

Police say 7 injured in Scarborough mass shooting, 3 suspects still on the run

Police are still investigating a mass shooting at the Piper Arms bar in Scarborough on March 7. Police say a seventh person was also injured by gunfire. The man was initially thought to have been hit by broken glass.

On Friday, around 10:40 p.m., police were dispatched to the Piper Arms bar at 520 Progress Ave., just north of Corporate Drive. Investigators say three masked, armed men stormed the location and “randomly fired shots” before fleeing the scene in a silver car.

One of the suspects was armed with an assault rifle, while the other two were armed with handguns. Police told CTV News Toronto they do not have “any further information” about the suspects.

In total, 12 people suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police said those who were shot were wounded in the arms and legs, while others were injured by shrapnel.

On Sunday, some of those who were inside the bar at the time of the shooting returned to collect their vehicles. People were seen hugging and crying outside the bar. The bar had been celebrating its opening night the night of the shooting.

News of the shocking violence quickly spread around the world. “A friend of mine from England texted me and said, ‘Are you okay?’ And then I woke up and saw the news,” said one woman. Another called the incident “horrifying,” saying, “It’s like you never know what could happen anywhere. It doesn’t matter what neighborhood you’re in.”

Another woman said it was worrying that the attackers were still at large. “It’s really scary because they can hurt anyone. They can go anywhere and do it again,” he told CP24.

Investigation continues

Police are still gathering information from witnesses and reported a heavy police presence in the area. CCTV footage is being reviewed and police are trying to piece together a timeline of events.

At this point, authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was targeted or if it is related to other recent incidents of gun violence in the city.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkeow said in a press conference Saturday afternoon that the investigation is “very fresh and active,” describing the incident as “a reckless act of violence.” He added that investigators are “leaving no stone unturned” to find the perpetrators.

What we don’t know yet

It’s not yet clear whether the attack was targeted or linked to other recent incidents of gun violence in the city. Initial speculation has been that the incident could be linked to the towing industry, but Mayor Olivia Cho has declined to comment on the matter.

Police Chief Paul McIntyre previously confirmed that investigators are “open to looking into that angle.” “I was born in Toronto and it’s always been good. But now there’s a tow war and they’re attacking each other in that industry,” said a man near the scene. “You’re scared to even get your car towed because you might get hurt.”

“Deeply impactful”

Political leaders at all levels have responded to the incident, condemning it and vowing action. Mayor Cho said he was “deeply saddened” by the attack. “This type of mass shooting is troubling because of the scale and the number of people injured,” he said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the incident “a reckless act of violence that will not be tolerated,” adding that he fully supports Toronto police in apprehending the perpetrators.

Scarborough City Councilor Michael Thompson said the shooting has shaken the community. “Nothing like this has ever happened here before. It has a profound impact on people’s perceptions and feelings in the community.”