Early morning raid leads to arrest in connection to Yonge St. murder

ABOVE: Toronto Police launched a series of early-morning raids Thursday, ultimately making an arrest in connection with a murder

TORONTO – Toronto police have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection to the death of Peter Nguyen who was shot in front of a Yonge Street restaurant in February.

Police executed several search warrants early Thursday morning and took Thanh Tung Phan into custody.

He has been charged with first degree murder and two counts of criminal harassment.

Toronto Police Constable Victor Kwong said Phan is the “sole suspect” in the homicide though there could be more charges as a result of the search warrants.

Dylan, a neighbour of Phan who didn’t want to give his last name, said he was woken up early Thursday morning by flashing lights, loud bands and screaming police officers.

“Well we heard loud noises and I don’t know, banging noises. It was scary. I just woke up and I was like, I don’t know what was going on,” he said in an interview.

The raid didn’t last long, Dylan said, and was over in about 15 minutes.

Nguyen was shot in the area of Yonge Street and Deloraine Avenue around 9:20 p.m. on Feb. 4.

He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

At the time of the shooting, police say they were looking for two suspects, but there’s no word yet if a second person is still being sought.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court today.