Peel Regional Police say a 17-year-old boy has died and five people — most of whom are teenagers — have been injured after a shooting in Mississauga.
In total, approximately six dozen officers and paramedics were called to an apartment complex on Darcel Avenue, near Goreway and Morning Star drive, at 6:22 p.m. on Saturday with reports of a shooting near a parkette at one of the buildings.
Chief Chris McCord told reporters late Saturday the 17-year-old died at the scene. Four of the injured victims are between 13 and 17 years old. A 50-year-old woman also sustained serious injuries.
He said as of Saturday night, it is unknown if the shooting was targeted or if the victims knew the suspects.
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McCord said witnesses reported that semi-automatic weapons may have been used by multiple suspects. He said “a lot” of shell casings were found at the scene.
He didn’t release a description of the suspects, but he said tactical officers swept the apartment complex to ensure it was checked.
“All of the individuals fled the scene after the incident,” McCord said, noting several vehicles were also hit during the gunfire.
“The individuals are definitely not in this area at the present. There has been a very extensive search conducted on the area, but when you have individuals armed with weapons such as this, yes, we do have a genuine concern for public safety.”
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He encouraged witnesses who haven’t spoken with officers to contact police, or Crime Stoppers anonymously, in order to assist with the investigation.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie echoed the call for information, saying her “thoughts and prayers remain with the young victims and their families.”
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this senseless act of gun violence in our city — it’s simply unacceptable,” she wrote in a statement.
“As a member of the police board, I am committed to ensuring Mississauga remains one of the safest cities by working to get illegal guns off our streets.”
— With files from Albert Delitala