Toronto homicide officers are investigating the city's 32nd murder of the year after a 28-year-old man was shot at an east-end nightclub early Saturday morning.

At least 18 bullets were fired inside the plaza on Rylander Boulevard, near Sheppard Avenue East and Kingston Road, at about 1 a.m.

More than 100 clubgoers fled the Inner Circle Restaurant and Lounge as heavily armed Emergency Task Force officers arrived.

The victim, identified as Michael Watson, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said some patrons were at the bar for a private birthday party, but the club was also open to the public.

At least three police officers were inside the Inner Circle doing paid duty security when the shots rang out. Investigators don't yet know if Watson was the intended target.

ETF officers combed the area after receiving reports the gunman was still inside the plaza, but the search was called off a short time later.

Investigators say a gunman fled the scene in a red or burgundy car and fired more shots into the crowd while driving on the Port Union Road ramp to Highway 401.

A woman believed to be the victim's mother was overcome with grief and collapsed in the parking lot when Watson's body was taken away.

Yellow police tape surrounded the area on Saturday as investigators searched for clues. A command post was also set up.

"We have security video ... and we will be poring over that to see what we have," Det. Wayne Banks told reporters.

Banks said they were fortunate no one else was hit, considering how many shots were fired.

Police have not released a motive for the attack or a suspect description.

The homicide happened about 30 hours after a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot outside a Scarborough apartment complex.

Shazad Khawaja was pronounced dead outside 80 Mornelle Crt. on Thursday night. Police are investigating if the attack is connected to a shooting at the same area five days earlier that left a 22-year-old man seriously injured and possibly paralyzed.

Detectives say witnesses are co-operating in Saturday's shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.222tips.com.

With a report from CTV Toronto's John Musselman