On the early morning of November 26, 2024, chaos unfolded on Highway 401 near Dixie Road, Mississauga, when multiple motorists became targets of gunfire during what Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are describing as a shocking and violent incident. An assailant, later identified as 29-year-old Troy Ledrew, allegedly fired shots at passing vehicles, leading to widespread panic and significant police activity.
The incident began shortly before 5 AM. Emergency services received numerous 911 calls from drivers reporting the sight of a man shooting at cars. Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with one stating, “You can’t believe this is happening on the highway.” Initial estimates suggest Ledrew shot at as many as ten vehicles as they traveled along the busy expressway.
Following the shooting, Ledrew is said to have stolen another vehicle from its driver before fleeing the scene. This vehicle was later found abandoned on Fasken Drive, indicating Ledrew’s desperate attempt to escape the immediate aftermath of his actions.
Police are urging the public to be cautious, advising anyone who spots Ledrew not to approach him but to call 911 instead. He has been described as armed and dangerous, being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with long braided hair, and last seen wearing jeans and a blue-grey t-shirt along with distinctive white and black running shoes.
What’s particularly unsettling is the incident’s timing – occurring during rush hour on one of Ontario's busiest highways. Severely disrupted traffic conditions were reported as OPP closed several highway ramps and lanes for investigation following the shooting. Bystanders, who witnessed the aftermath, noted how surreal it felt to see law enforcement flood the area so early, securing the crime scene where, fortunately, no serious injuries were media reported.
Dashcam footage shared by various motorists, including one driver named Mike, vividly captures the moments leading up to the shooting. He described seeing Ledrew running across multiple highway lanes, only to turn and point the gun directly at him. His immediate reaction? The instinct to flee to safety. "The adrenaline kicks in; you don’t even think, you just want to survive,” Mike recalled. Fortunately, no one else was seriously injured, but the trauma of the event reverberates through the community.
The public’s recounting of events from their perspective has painted a picture of confusion and fear. Witness reports shared with local media outlets reveal the startling realization of impending danger as bullets struck their vehicles. Mike described hearing the distinct sound of shots fired just after he passed the suspect. He added, “It was surreal... something you only see on TV until it happens to you.”
Local law enforcement continues to search for more information about Ledrew’s whereabouts, appealing to the public to provide any insights they might have on his location. They confirmed through statements to various news outlets, including CTV and CP24, the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity. Residents are right to be on edge, considering the day began like any other – people commuting to work, likely unaware they might face life-threatening danger during their morning rush.
Following the incident, police announced they had initiated heightened patrols around the highways to ease the community’s concerns about safety. Such measures may help restore some sense of normality and security, even as many are still trying to process the chaos of the morning.
Local analysts and community spokespeople expressed their shock and concern over such brazen violence erupting on public roadways. Conversations about community safety, mental health support for those affected, and calls for greater preventative measures are now amplifying following the incident. Many aren’t just worried about the trauma faced by those who were directly involved, but about broader safety measures on public highways.
The regional police have set up resources for community members who may feel traumatized by the events. Resources for counseling and help are aimed at supporting individuals who face fears of returning to such public spaces or burdens of witnessing traumatic events.
Both OPP and other local officials are clarifying the sequences of events, hoping to piece together the motivations behind Ledrew’s actions. While it's still uncertain whether the attack was random or targeted, the emotional fallout is visible throughout the Mississauga community.
With everything still under investigation, more details are expected to emerge as OPP continue to track down Troy Ledrew. For now, community members and authorities are calling on anyone who may know his whereabouts to step forward. Each detail, each person who can provide information could make all the difference as police seek to restore safety and identify the reasons behind this harrowing shooting.
“We want to assure the community, we are working tirelessly to find him and understand what motivated this act,” one police officer was quoted. “Our job is to keep people safe and we take incidents like this very seriously.”
The questions echo across Mississauga – what possesses someone to open fire on unsuspecting drivers? What security measures can prevent such incidents from happening again? For many, this incident is more than just numbers or headlines; it's about lives, safety, and the need for community resilience against violence.
Updates on the story can be expected as police investigate and as more evidence and testimonies are gathered. For those affected, the path to recovery might not be straightforward, but with community support and police intervention, there’s hope for healing after this trauma.
