A driver on Highway 401 in Mississauga narrowly escaped death when their vehicle was struck by at least eight bullets in a targeted attack early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. near the Mavis Road exit, close to Winston Churchill Boulevard. Authorities believe the shooter aimed to kill, as the bullets came dangerously close to the driver.
Peel Regional Police initially responded to the scene, but the case has now been handed over to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for further investigation. The OPP have not yet released any details or comments regarding the shooting.
Details of the Shooting
According to police, one car pulled up alongside another on the highway and unloaded a barrage of bullets into the driver's side door. Three bullets penetrated the door, while two struck the window at head height, effectively being headshots. The driver, who managed to exit the highway and call for help, was not taken to the hospital, and it remains unclear whether any occupants were hit.
The vehicle sustained eight bullet holes, and the survival of the driver and any passengers is considered miraculous. The shooter appeared to have close proximity, possibly from a passenger seat, to aim and fire rapidly.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including whether it was a road rage incident or a targeted crime. The OPP have shut down the highway temporarily but have since reopened it. Police are appealing for any dashboard camera footage from witnesses to come forward through Crime Stoppers.
Highway shootings are not new to the area, with similar incidents occurring on Highways 401 and 403 in the past. In December, a comparable case was reported near Milton. Such events raise concerns about public safety, as stray bullets could potentially hit unintended targets.
Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
