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
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.