Police investigate possible link between two incidents at Jane and Driftwood
Residents in a northwest Toronto neighbourhood are feeling fearful and shocked after two people were shot while waiting for buses at the same intersection within 24 hours. Police are investigating whether the shootings were random or targeted, and whether they are connected to a stolen black vehicle seen in the area.
The first shooting happened on Friday around 6 p.m., when a 16-year-old boy was shot in the face while waiting for the bus alone. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition. The second shooting occurred on Saturday around 2 p.m., when a man was shot three times, twice in the stomach, while also waiting for the bus alone. He later died in hospital.
Both victims were shot by a suspect who approached them on foot and then fled in a black Acura RDX with a licence plate CVEN 900, which police believe was stolen. Police have released a photo of the vehicle and are asking anyone with information to contact them.
Residents express fear and sadness over the violence
The shootings have left the residents of the neighbourhood, which is home to many families and children, feeling uneasy and scared. Some said they would avoid taking the bus or walking in the area, while others said they were worried about the safety of their kids.
Anna Gualtieri, 54, said she often takes the same bus route in the area but will now think twice about it for short trips. She said she chose to walk instead when running errands on Sunday. “I was on my way to go shopping and I was just scared,” she said. “I didn’t even want to leave my house, but because I was supposed to do something, that’s why I left to go do what I had to do.”
Kwame Boamah, who lives close to the intersection, said it was sad to see such violence, especially in an area with so many families and children. He said he called his friends to check if their children were safe after hearing about the shootings. He said he was concerned about the impact on his kids, who are four and six years old, and who regularly play in the area that was earlier cordoned off by police for the investigation. “It’s Family Day, and this is what we have to see,” he said.
Police increase presence and appeal for witnesses
Police have increased their presence in the area of Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue to provide support and reassurance to the community. They have also set up a command post to gather evidence and interview witnesses. They are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the shootings, or who may have dashcam or security camera footage, to come forward.
Police said they have not identified any suspects or motives for the shootings, but they are looking into the possibility that they were random or gang-related. They said they are also exploring the link between the two incidents and the stolen vehicle, which they believe was used by the same person or persons.
“We’re not ruling anything out at this point,” said Det. Sgt. Andy Singh, who is leading the homicide investigation. “We’re looking at all avenues, whether it’s gang-related, whether it’s random, whether it’s targeted. We’re looking at everything.”
Singh said the shootings were “very brazen” and “very concerning” for the police and the public. He said the victims did not appear to know each other or have any connection to the area. He said the police are working hard to find the shooter or shooters and bring them to justice.
