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Toronto police charge man with shooting of Jewish-owned Toronto restaurant
Toronto police have arrested and charged a man accused of firing multiple shots last weekend at a Jewish-owned restaurant.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Myron Demkiw said the suspect was apprehended two days after the shooting.
Officers were already in the area because of ramped-up police patrols in Toronto’s Jewish neighbourhoods during Passover, which he said included overt and covert police operations.
“Covert assets saw the suspect fleeing,” said Demkiw.
Officers saw the licence plate number, as well as the vehicle that the suspect allegedly fled in, leading to execution of a search warrant in Brampton, Ont.
A man has been charged with four firearms-related offences. Though Demkiw said this is still “an active and ongoing investigation.”
He noted there were no injuries in the attack but said the business owner was “understandably, very shaken” and “this kind of attack leaves a real impact on people’s sense of security,” in this case, within Toronto’s Jewish community.
This is the second time the restaurant owner has been targeted, said police. The Friday night shooting at the restaurant came a month after three Toronto-area synagogues were struck by gunfire.
“We don’t want this kind of violence in Toronto,” said Demkiw. “This is why we will continue to hunt down whoever is responsible for this and other similar shootings in our city.”
He said: “Today we send a clear message to whoever else who is thinking of targeting our communities we will do everything we can, to stop you and hold you accountable.”
The motive behind this shooting has not yet been determined, said police.
The chief noted that the force’s newly formed counterterrorism and security unit, which includes the Toronto police hate crime team, played a key role in the investigation.
And while hate-motivated charges have not been laid in this case, police have not ruled out the possibility of further charges as the investigation continues.
Demkiw emphasized that investigations into the recent shootings with “unique characteristics” are active and ongoing.
“We have to acknowledge the fear (among the Jewish community). It’s real … Not only do we hear you, we stand with you shoulder to shoulder.”
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