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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.