A tense series of events unfolded today early morning when police attempted to stop a vehicle reportedly linked to a firearm-related threat. The situation ended hours later with a crash and the discovery of a gunshot victim inside the car.
At approximately 4:43 a.m., Toronto Police received a call from an individual reporting a troubling message sent by a friend. According to police, the message included a photograph showing the victim being threatened with a firearm. Investigators quickly gathered information and identified the suspect vehicle’s description.
Officers located the vehicle near Bellamy Road and Lawrence Avenue and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver refused to comply, fleeing the scene. Police chose not to engage in an active pursuit due to safety concerns, opting instead to monitor the vehicle’s movements remotely.
Three hours later, at around 7:45 a.m., the suspect vehicle was involved in a collision at Midland and McNicoll avenues.
Following the crash, police discovered three individuals inside the vehicle: two male suspects, aged 17 and 19, and the victim, who is in their early 20s. The victim, who had sustained a gunshot wound, was transported to a trauma centre with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle, and the suspects were apprehended on the scene. Both suspects sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The collision also involved another vehicle driven by a civilian, who was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Senior Officer Brian Maslowski, speaking at the crash site, emphasized the complexity of the ongoing investigation. “We are gathering witness statements and evidence to determine the full scope of the events,” Maslowski stated. He confirmed that police are not yet prepared to classify the incident as an abduction, but noted that the victim was “threatened with a firearm.”
Maslowski urged members of the public who may have been in the area, particularly those with dashcam footage, to come forward with any information that could aid investigators.
While the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on piecing together the relationships between the suspects and the victim and the events that transpired before the initial police interaction.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 416-808-4300.