Police identify first-degree murder suspect from shooting in east-end Toronto

Toronto police are searching for a man considered to be “armed and dangerous” who is wanted for first-degree murder after a fatal shooting in Scarborough earlier this week.

Police said during a press conference Sunday morning 22-year-old Simeon Harty is being sought after 23-year-old Kevin Nicholas Gidden died Saturday from gunshot wounds sustained from Thursday’s shooting.

Det. Shawn Mahoney said police believe Harty crossed paths with Gidden and his friend at a gas station near Orton Park Road and Lawrence Avenue East.

At around 12:45 a.m., he said the suspect followed the vehicle Gidden was riding in eastbound on Lawrence Avenue East for a brief distance before firing multiple shots, which struck Gidden. The driver, who wasn’t injured, drove Gidden to the nearby 43 Division police station and asked for help from officers at the front desk.

Gidden was taken to hospital in critical condition where he succumbed to his wounds.

Officers from 43 Division identified Harty as a suspect shortly after the shooting and obtained a warrant for his arrest on aggravated assault and firearm-related charges. Investigators are in the process of upgrading the warrant to reflect a first-degree murder charge.

READ MORE: Man brought to Toronto police station after being shot dies in hospital

Mahoney said police are trying to determine the relationship between the people involved. He said investigators believe the shooting was targeted, but it’s not known if Gidden or his friend were the targets.

Gidden was not known to police, Mahoney said.

READ MORE: Man found in car with gunshot wounds at Toronto police station

Mahoney said Harty is known to police and was on release in relation to a robbery charge.

He encouraged Harty to seek legal counsel and turn himself into police. Police found Hardy’s vehicle in the Hamilton area on Sunday.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.