Scarborough bar shooting: 12 injured, three suspects on the run

‘Blood everywhere’: 12 people hospitalized after midnight shooting at Scarborough bar. Here’s what we know so far.
CP24’s Melissa Duggan reports on a shooting that left 12 people hospitalized after three masked assailants stormed a Scarborough bar.
Few details have been released about the masked assailants who stormed a Scarborough bar, wounding 12 people in a mass shooting just hours after a night of partying turned chaotic.

Scarborough bar shooting: Three suspects sought
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said at a press conference Saturday morning that she was “deeply saddened” by the incident. Six of the injured had serious gunshot wounds, while others were injured by flying glass.

“I am deeply saddened by this mass shooting… My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he said.

As the investigation into last night’s events continues, here’s a summary of what we know, along with new information from authorities.

Police still searching for three suspects
The shooting happened just before 10:40 p.m. at the Piper Arms, a newly opened bar near downtown Scarborough.

Toronto police said three masked suspects — one armed with an assault rifle and two others with handguns — entered the bar and “randomly opened fire on patrons.”

“They entered the bar, pulled out their guns and started shooting,” said Paul McIntyre, the head of the Organized Crime Unit at the scene.

Police confirmed in an email to CTV News Toronto on Saturday morning that of the six people shot, “most had gunshot wounds to the arms and legs.”

Police added that the injuries, while serious, are not currently considered life-threatening.

Authorities initially said the three suspects who fled the scene may have fled in a silver car, but no further details have been confirmed.

“The motive for this shooting is still unknown,” McIntyre said. “We are pursuing all leads.”

‘Deeply saddened’
Olivia Chow told the news conference that she was at City Hall late last night, monitoring negotiations between the city and interior workers, when she learned of the shooting.

“When the news broke, I was deeply saddened by this type of mass shooting,” she said.

When asked if the incident was related to a recent spate of violent incidents in the towing industry this week, Chow said no, saying he would rather not speculate.

Doug Ford called the shooting “a reckless act of violence.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also responded to the shooting in a statement on Twitter.

“The shooting that took place in Scarborough last night was a reckless act of violence that will not be tolerated,” he wrote.

He said he fully supports Toronto police in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and I pray for a full recovery for all those affected by this horrific shooting.”

“Nothing like this has ever happened before”
Scarborough City Councilman Michael Thompson, speaking to CP24’s Melissa Duggan at the scene, described the incident as “a very sad moment,” adding that “nothing like this has ever happened in his community.”

“Incidents like today are disappointing and have a huge impact on people’s perspectives and feelings in the community,” he said.

“There was blood everywhere”
McIntyre described the scene inside the bar as chaotic.

“It’s a strange feeling when you walk in,” he said. “The drinks are still on the table. The food is still on the table. People’s bags and shoes are still there.”

“There’s a lot of damage to the walls. The glass walls are broken. There’s blood everywhere,” he added.

McIntyre said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage to determine whether the attack was targeted.

“Our investigation will determine whether this time it was targeted for specific reasons,” he said.

Police said residents in the area can expect an increased police presence as they continue to search for the suspects. They are asking anyone with information, including witnesses, to come forward.

This is a developing story and please check this page for updates...