TORONTO — In a tragic incident that has shaken the community, two individuals lost their lives following a double shooting in Toronto's Riverdale neighborhood late Tuesday night. The Toronto Police Service responded to multiple reports of gunfire around 11 p.m. near the intersection of Bain Avenue and Logan Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers found two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. The police have not yet released the identities of the deceased.
Authorities are currently searching for two male suspects who were last seen fleeing the area in dark clothing, heading toward Withrow Park. The suspects are described as being between five feet five and five feet eight inches tall. This incident has prompted an increased police presence in the neighborhood, as investigators work diligently to gather more information.
Acting Duty Inspector Todd Jocko addressed the media at the scene, assuring the public that a thorough investigation is underway. "Rest assured that we're going to be conducting a thorough investigation," he stated. "Everybody is doing all the necessary steps to maintain public safety." Jocko emphasized that the community can expect to see more officers in the area as the investigation unfolds.
This shooting marks the second violent incident in Riverdale within a short span of time. Just last month, on March 21, police responded to another shooting nearby at Jones and Strathcona avenues, where three teenage boys were injured. The recurrence of such violence has left residents feeling unsettled.
Local residents expressed their shock and concern over the recent events. One resident, who moved to the area only a few months ago, described Riverdale as a quiet and lovely neighborhood, making the shooting all the more alarming. "I’m very shaken. I moved here in November...it’s a quiet neighbourhood, you know, it’s lovely. So it’s really shocking," she shared.
Another resident recounted their experience during the incident, saying, "Last night, I saw a cop car going down the street just over, Sparkhall (Avenue), with lights shining both ways so I guess they were looking for something. And then I woke up to a bunch of crime (scene) tape covering an entire block." This sentiment of disbelief and fear resonates with many in the community.
The police are requesting anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has video surveillance footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Investigators are particularly keen on gathering any information that could lead to identifying the suspects.
As the investigation continues, the Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of the residents in Riverdale. The homicide unit has taken over the investigation, and officials are hopeful that increased visibility of police presence will help reassure the community.
In light of this recent violence, city officials and community leaders are calling for discussions around public safety measures and community engagement to prevent further incidents. The sense of urgency is palpable as residents demand action to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence.
As the story develops, more updates are expected from the police and city officials. The community remains on high alert, hoping for swift justice for the victims and their families.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 16, 2025. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
