Second suspect charged in Rexdale birthday party shoot-out that injured three kids
Toronto Police Chief James Ramer says investigators have charged a second suspect in connection with a shoot-out at a toddler’s birthday party in Rexdale that injured three children over the weekend.
The large party was underway near Tandridge Crescent and Byng Avenue Saturday evening when the violence broke out.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday afternoon, Ramer said the gunfire erupted after an argument broke out between two men at the party shortly before 8 p.m.
“During the party an argument broke out between two men and two men began shooting at each other, at which point people in attendance joined in an exchange of gunfire,” Ramer said.
Four people were injured. An 11-year-old boy and a one-year-old boy were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been released. A five-year-old girl was struck in the head and remains in the hospital in critical condition.
A 24-year-old man was shot in the leg and is still in hospital. Ramer said Tuesday that he is believed to have been one of the initial shooters.
He has been identified by police as Demar Cadogan of Toronto and is facing multiple weapons charges in connection with the shooting.
Ramer said that a second suspect believed to be the other initial shooter was arrested today.
Police said 21-year-old Kevin George of Toronto has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life, several other firearms-related offenses and one count of failing to comply with recognizance.
Investigators said they continue to look for other suspects who either fired weapons or were accessories after the fact.
“If you were involved in this incident, I suggest you find a lawyer and turn yourself in,” Ramer said. “We're working very hard to identify everyone who is involved at that party and we will be arresting all of you.”
Ramer urged anyone with information to contact investigators or call Crime Stoppers anonymously.
“You know any shooting in a neighborhood is traumatic, but this one involving three young children and at a birthday party is particularly despicable,” he said. “So I hope that will help influence people to give some consideration to contacting the police to help us when you can, if you can.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.