WATCH ABOVE: Police are investigating another shooting outside Toronto Marriot hotel. Lama Nicolas reports.
TORONTO – The city’s Homicide Squad is investigating after a man was gunned down early Sunday morning in front of a downtown hotel.
Police said they were called to the Dundas St. W. and Bay St. area around 2:45 a.m. after reports of gunshots. A man found with gunshot wounds was found in front of the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel at 525 Bay St and was pronounced dead on scene, according to paramedics.
Toronto Police identified the man as 27-year old Kabil Abdulkhadir.
Bay St. was closed between Dundas St. W. and Queen St. W. as police continued their investigation, before being re-opened at around 1:30 p.m.
Detective-Sergeant Joyce Schertzer told reporters at a morning press conference the investigation is at “the beginning stages” and called on witnesses to contact police.
Police said they are conducting a witness and video canvass throughout the Bay and Dundas area.
Guests staying at the Marriott could leave the Marriott on foot, but not by car. And guests who have exited the hotel are not allowed to re-enter and check-in is suspended until further notice from police.
Several guests were caught off-guard by the police investigation and not being allowed to re-enter the hotel.
Chris Sherry, who was staying at the Marriott, said she stepped outside to have a cigarette and wasn’t allowed back into the hotel, with his daughter still in their room.
“I finished my smoke and turned around to go back in and they wouldn’t let me in the door,” Sherry said. “I was a little concerned, and I said ‘if it’s not safe enough for me could you please go get my daughter.’”
Police have not released a suspect description or the number of shooters involved.
Schertzer urged any witnesses to “take the initiative” and call 52 Division at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477.
This is Toronto’s 32nd homicide of the year and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled for Monday morning.
*With files from Lama Nicolas
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