Five men were injured early Saturday morning when someone opened fire on a group of men who had just finished their midnight prayer in Scarborough, Toronto police said. The victims are between 28 and 35 years old.
Subp. David Ridzhik says that around 1 am a group of people celebrating the holy month of Ramadan in Islam gathered in the parking lot to discuss where to eat.
Ridzik said the group was “accidentally attacked” in a car shooting, adding that there was no information to suggest that the victims were involved in any crime.
“While they were here, just preparing to leave, shots were heard,” Ridzik told a news conference Saturday afternoon.
“Unfortunately, five people were hit by these bullets from what we believe may have come from a Markham Road vehicle that was traveling past it.
Nadim Sheikh, a board member of the Scarborough Muslim Association, called on authorities to detain the suspects. (Mehrdad Nazarahari / CBC)
Four victims were found on the spot with gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital with serious but life-threatening injuries, police said.
The fifth victim, who also received non-life-threatening injuries, went to the hospital on her own.
Ridzik says three of the victims have been released from the hospital.
Nadim Sheikh, a board member of the Scarborough Muslim Association, called on authorities to detain the suspects.
“I’m really upset and worried. I’m worried. Five mature, grown-up, family-oriented men were shot dead this morning,” he said.
Earlier, police said the suspects fled in what appeared to be a blue home car, but Ridzik said there was no information available on the suspects.
“At this point, I can’t say for sure which vehicle was used in this particular shooting, nor do I have a description of a suspect at that time,” he said.
Police are asking anyone with information or recordings from the camera to contact the 43rd Division or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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