Early Morning Shooting Rocks Toronto's Entertainment District
Toronto Police are actively investigating a shooting that occurred in the city's bustling Entertainment District during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in one of Toronto's most popular nighttime destinations.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to King Street West, just west of Spadina Avenue, around 4:45 a.m. after receiving emergency calls about gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a male victim in his twenties suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Police confirmed that immediate life-saving measures were performed at the scene before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital via emergency run. The current condition of the shooting victim remains undisclosed as medical treatment continues.
In response to the violent incident, Toronto Police have closed King Street to all vehicular traffic between Spadina Avenue and Brant Street while forensic teams process the crime scene. Investigators are currently seeking witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
As of the latest updates, police have not released information about potential suspects or a possible motive for the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Related Firearms Arrest in Toronto
In a separate but related development, Toronto Police have announced a significant firearms arrest following an investigation by the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force. The operation targeted an individual suspected of illegal firearm possession within the city.
On November 22, officers executed a search warrant at a residence located in the Mount Pleasant Road and Broadway Avenue area. During the search, police allegedly seized a loaded semi-automatic handgun and a quantity of ammunition.
Derrick Bowyer, 41, of Toronto faces multiple charges including:
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a loaded prohibited/restricted firearm
- Two counts of possession of a prohibited device/ammunition
- Two counts of possession of a firearm/ammunition contrary to a prohibition order
Sexual Assault Charges Laid in Entertainment District Incident
Toronto Police have also disclosed details about a sexual assault investigation stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred in the Entertainment District last year. Authorities became aware of the assault earlier this month, though the incident reportedly took place in 2024.
According to police statements, the victim was in the Entertainment District when the accused invited them to his apartment, where the sexual assault allegedly occurred.
On November 20, Justin Aguiar, 28, of Toronto was arrested and charged with sexual assault. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Armoury Street on January 14, 2026.
Call for Public Assistance
Toronto Police are encouraging anyone with information about any of these incidents to contact them directly at 416-808-2510 for the shooting investigation, or 416-808-1400 for the sexual assault case. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
The concentration of criminal incidents in and around the Entertainment District has prompted increased police presence and community concern about safety in Toronto's downtown core.
