A security guard was shot and killed inside of a casino in Pickering early Monday and police say they are now looking for multiple male and female suspects.
Durham Regional Police said emergency crews responded just after 5 a.m. to Pickering Casino Resort, in the area of Brock Road and Highway 401, after receiving a call for “numerous” shots fired.
“Officers attended the scene. They located a male who was suffering from gunshot wounds,” Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss told reporters at the scene.
A police release said when officers arrived, they were directed into the casino where the victim was located and life-saving measures were attempted. The casino was evacuated.
“That male was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre where he has unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” Bortoluss said.
Bortoluss identified the victim as 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand.
She said the shooting isn’t believed to have been targeted, adding that Ferdinand was “doing his job when he was involved with these individuals who in turn shot and killed him.”
Details of what may have led up to the shooting are not known.
“The homicide unit has taken over so they will be looking into what exactly transpired but what I can tell you right now is that it doesn’t appear to be targeted,” Bortoluss said.
Bortoluss said officers are working with the casino and reviewing surveillance video.
She said multiple male and female suspects believed to be involved in the incident are being sought by police. It’s not clear how long they were at the casino in the lead up to shots being fired, but Bortoluss said they fled immediately after the shooting.
“We are working very diligently with the casino and as well as witnesses, as well as members of our homicide unit to piece together what happened and to apprehend those responsible,” Bortoluss said.
The casino and hotel are closed and are expected to remain closed “for a period of time,” Bortoluss said.
Anyone with information was asked to come forward.