Police are regarding the Monday night shooting incident at Fairview Mall as an attempted murder investigation and have publicly named two suspects.
At 8:44 p.m., Toronto police were called to the North York mall after a single gunshot was fired in the lower-level food court.
According to a senior Toronto Police Service officer from 33 Division, mall security tried to stop an alleged shoplifter in the mall as he was leaving the Hudson's Bay Company store. The suspect broke free and security chased him.
After a brief pursuit, a single shot was allegedly fired in the direction of a security guard. He jumped into a jewelry store to avoid the bullet. The suspect then fled the mall, running to a nearby housing complex.
Neither the security guard nor anyone else was injured, although the guard was left shaken by the close call.
A handgun was recovered by police near the scene of the shooting.
Police say they have ample video evidence from inside the mall.
In a news release issued Tuesday, police say they are seeking two men: Christopher Alexander, 27 and Shaun Mobeen, 29.
Alexander is described as male, black, 5'10" with a medium build. He had dark hair pulled back into a bun. He was wearing a red air Jordan T-shirt, baggy blue jeans and is alleged to have been armed with the handgun.
Mobeen is described as male, black, with a medium build. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt.
"Both males are considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached," police warned.
No allegations against the two men have been proven in a court of law.
People with information are asked to call 416-808-3300. They can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave a tip online at www.222tips.com.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Naomi Parness
