Toronto police say 23 people have been arrested after a brazen “exchange of gunfire” outside a recording studio on Monday night.
Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told reporters Tuesday officers were in the area of Queen and Sudbury streets, just east of Dufferin Street, around 11:20 p.m. when gunshots rang out.
She said the officers were there for an unrelated investigation when an alleged stolen vehicle pulled up in front of the business, and three people got out.
“They opened fire on a recording studio and the people that were gathered outside,” Pogue said. “This brazen act of violence escalated into an exchange of gunfire between two groups during which one of our unmarked police vehicles, with officers inside, was struck by bullets.”
Pogue said officers were able to box the vehicle in as the suspects tried to flee.
One person was arrested following a brief foot chase, while two others managed to escape and are still being sought after by police, Pogue said.
During another search of the area, Pogue alleged several firearms “likely discarded by the fleeing suspects” were found.
Numerous people were arrested at the recording studio, and multiple guns were seized inside – including in the rooftop and hidden in garbage bins nearby – she added.
She said 23 people were arrested and 16 firearms like handguns and assault-style rifles were seized.
Pogue called it a “very dangerous incident.”
“I want to stress how remarkable it is that in such a volatile and dangerous situation, nobody was injured,” Pogue said.
“No bystanders, not the individuals involved and not our officers.”
One person was taken to hospital as a precaution but did not sustain any major injuries, police said.
There is no word on what led to the exchange of gunfire. But Pogue said “it has all the signs of being a gang-related conflict but that is still being investigated.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.