Toronto police say a 64-year-old man has died after a shooting in the city’s west end Friday afternoon.
Police said emergency crews were called to the front of Domani Restaurant and Wine Bar in the Roncesvalles Avenue and Grenadier Road area, south of Dundas Street West, just after 4 p.m. after receiving reports shots were fired.
Officers found the injured man afterward, police said. Officers said the victim, who was identified as Richmond Hill resident Paolo Caputo, died at the scene.
“From what we know of the scene thus far, it seems to be a targeted shooting — specifically for the gentleman who is now deceased,” Homicide Squad Det. Sgt. Andy Singh told reporters Friday evening.
Singh said they’re looking for a male suspect who is approximately five-foot-11. He was described as having a skinny build.
The shooter was reported to be getting into the passenger’s side of an older, white Mercedes Benz. The vehicle was last seen going westbound on Constance Street. Singh said it’s believed the vehicle was in the area for an extended period of time before the shooting.
Kumar Kandasamy, who identified himself as an employee of Domani Restaurant, said he was called by a friend and told his boss had died.
“It’s very, very upsetting. [Caputo] was a very, very nice guy,” he told reporters.
The Domani Restaurant website lists the owner as Paul Caputo and described him as a longtime restaurateur.
“Paul integrates his love and knowledge of wine into the wine selection, creating a perfect balance with every meal,” the website said.
“Paul has proven that his passion for the industry and his determination to bring fine Italian service to every table is evident on every visit to the restaurant.
The TTC suspended 504 King streetcar services on Roncesvalles Avenue between Queen Street West and Dundas West subway station as officers gathered evidence.
Meanwhile, anyone with information or surveillance video is asked to call police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.