Toronto Police have released the identity of a young man killed in a brazen afternoon shooting in Scarborough, an incident that prompted a lockdown at a nearby university campus and marked a grim milestone for the city.
Victim Identified in Highland Creek Area Shooting
Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Toronto resident, was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Police were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, near the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus, at approximately 3:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a person with serious injuries.
Upon arrival, officers found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, he was declared deceased. Investigators believe the suspect or suspects fled the area before police could arrive. As a precaution during the initial investigation, the UTSC campus was temporarily placed under a lockdown.
Appeal for Witnesses in City's 41st Homicide
The killing represents Toronto's 41st homicide of 2025. The Toronto Police Service Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Police are asking witnesses or anyone with video footage from the area around the time of the shooting to contact them at 416-808-7400. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com.
Separate Unprovoked Assault Under Investigation in Vaughan
In a separate and unrelated incident, York Regional Police are investigating an unprovoked assault that occurred in Vaughan on the same evening. Police reported that just after 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, two victims were walking in a plaza parking lot near Mable Smith Way and Interchange Way.
An unknown male approached them from behind, grabbed one victim, and assaulted them with a sharp object before fleeing. The injured victim was taken to a hospital with what were described as minor injuries.
Investigators have released a description of the suspect: a male with a light complexion, believed to be in his late 30s to early 40s, standing between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot tall with a medium to heavy build. He has brown or black facial hair and was wearing a dark tuque, a blue and green plaid jacket, and dark pants.
York Regional Police's No. 4 District criminal investigations bureau is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area. They can be reached at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7441. Tips can also be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
