Toronto police have charged a suspect in connection with a pair of shootings at synagogues in Toronto and Vaughan that occurred in March. The accused, an 18-year-old man of no fixed address, was 17 years old at the time of the incidents and faces a total of nine charges.
Details of the Shootings
On Friday, March 6, just before midnight, police received reports of gunshots in the area of Clark Avenue West and York Hill Boulevard, north of Yonge and Steeles. York Regional Police officers arrived to find the front doors of a synagogue had been struck and damaged by gunfire. Two people were inside at the time but were not injured.
Later that same night, just after midnight, Toronto police responded to reports of gunshots at the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue in the area of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue, south of Bathurst and Lawrence. Officers found damage to the synagogue's front entrance consistent with gunfire. No one was inside, and no injuries were reported.
Charges Laid
The suspect has been charged with nine offences, including two counts of discharge firearm into a place, two counts of mischief to property over $5,000, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and occupy motor vehicle with a prohibited device. He is scheduled to appear in court at the Newmarket Courthouse on May 20.
Investigation and Collaboration
The Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit (Hate Crime Unit), worked alongside the York Regional Police Firearms Investigations Team and the Hate Crime Prevention Unit to make the arrest. The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
