There were in excess of seven suspects and over 100 rounds were fired
ON Saturday, September 15, at approximately 6:15 p.m., officers responded to an apartment building on Darcel Avenue in Mississauga in regards to a shooting. Police located a male was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and despite the best efforts of first responders, the 17-year-old male victim died because of his injuries.
Five additional victims with gunshot wounds are being treated at area hospitals for their injuries. The injured include a 13-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, two 17-year-old boys and a 50-year old woman. The victims are all in stable condition and their injuries are considered non-life-threatening because of the exceptional work done by Peel Regional Paramedics and the medical staff at the hospitals that the victims were transported to, police said.
“This brazen act of violence will not be tolerated. This incident appears to be a targeted attack and I’d like to reassure the community that their safety is the number one concern for me and for the men and women of Peel Regional Police. We have dedicated numerous resources to this investigation and will work diligently to locate the people responsible. If anyone has any information on this incident, I urge them to call our investigators or Crime Stoppers,” said Police Chief Chris McCord.
As the incident took place, several families including children, were at an ice cream truck that was parked in the complex. While investigators have had the opportunity to speak to several of those at the ice cream truck, there are still many, including the operator of the ice cream truck, who have not yet had the opportunity to speak to officers. Police are encouraging these individuals to contact investigators as soon as possible.
The suspects in this incident were dressed in dark clothing and concealed their identities using a balaclava and our preliminary investigation has revealed that the 17-year-old deceased victim was not the intended target in this incident nor were some of the injured. Investigation has also revealed that there were in excess of seven suspects and over 100 rounds fired during the incident. Due to the amount of evidence and witnesses present, this investigation will take some time. “We will keep the community apprised as the investigation progresses and share information, as we are able to,” police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators from the Homicide and Missing Persons Bureau at (905) 453–2121, extension 3205. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.