Toronto Police have stepped up patrols in the New Toronto area following a raging gun battle just over two weeks ago that shook up residents and led to the closure of a major thoroughfare.
Toronto Police say 67 shell casings were recovered by officers in what was likely a ‘running gun battle’ in which about a dozen parked vehicles were hit by stray bullets that left ‘a crime scene covering two city blocks.’
‘The shooting occurred outside 2979 Lake Shore Blvd. W., likely a running gun battle that resulted in a wide crime scene running two city blocks,” according to members of 22 Division Community Response Unit who held a Sept. 24 virtual meeting with members of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA).
The September 8 early morning shootout resulted in Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Eighth Street being closed for several hours due to a police investigation. One man was shot in the thigh.
Officers, who have since inspected the venue, said the incident “centered around an event at a basement after-hours club at this location.”
“There was a dispute inside the location that spilled out into the back alley,” according to minutes of the meeting obtained by the South Etobicoke News. “Some 67 shell casings were recovered. There was more than one shooter, but it is still unknown how many.”
The team’s priority was to open Lake Shore Blvd. as soon as possible to pedestrians and traffic, which they did, police told the BIA officials.
Days after the shooting, police, Toronto Fire, Municipal Licensing and Standards, Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Councillor Mark Grimes paid a visit to inspect the premises.
“The landlord told them that she rents the space out, but did not have any of the proper document,” according to the minutes. “All future private events must be cancelled until they are obtained and a timeline was given for this.”
Police said “in the past they had been getting permits but not complying with them so AGCO continued to shut down the events, in turn they stopped getting permits.”
The venue was inspected by fire prevention officials to determine if there were any violations. There were also concerns in regards to the spread of COVID-19 in a crowded venue.
“22 Division has set-up directed patrols for the area, and are paying special attention to the address and will investigate if necessary,” the meeting was told.
Police said they are looking into a request by the BIA to install security cameras in the area to nab lawbreakers. Police warn it is a very involved and costly process that requires community engagement.
Officers said “ it would be beneficial to have them (cameras) in some of the areas they spend the most time in.”
They urged the BIA to have their members install or ensure cameras in and outside their premises are operational since the footage can help police solve crimes.