Shots fired at two Ajax homes linked to tow truck violence in GTA, police say
A Durham Regional Police car is seen on Tuesday Feb. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives
Two homes in Ajax were hit by gunfire Thursday night and police believe the two incidents are linked to the ongoing tow truck violence in the Greater Toronto Area.
Durham Regional Police officers received numerous calls for the sounds of gunshots in the area of Wilsongary Circle and Urwin Street, near Taunton Road East and Harwood Avenue North, at 10:40 p.m.
When they arrived, police said officers found a residence with bullet holes through the front door.
Shortly after, officers at the scene were notified that another property “associated” to the residence had also been hit by gunfire.
The second property was located one kilometre away near Decourcy-Ireland Circle and Pointer Lane and police said bullet holes were also discovered through the front door.
“Residents were home in both incidents at the time of the shootings. There were no physical injuries reported,” police said in a news release on Friday.
They also revealed that investigators had reviewed security cameras, which showed the two incidents occurring within minutes of each other.
The video, which they haven’t release to the public, captured a white Honda SUV believed to be linked to a suspect who was wearing all black clothing and a black medical mask. No other description has been released.
“These two incidents are believed to be in relation to the ongoing tow truck violence being seen across the GTA,” police said.
“While DRPS (Durham Regional Police Service) recognizes that very few tow truck operators and businesses are involved in any type of criminality, there is evidence to suggest some are involved in organized crime.”
Police added that such incidents undermine the safety of Durham residents, and officers are working to locate and charge the person responsible.
“These shootings have a profound impact on our community and are taking place in residential neighbourhoods. Every resident of Durham Region should feel safe in their own home,” police said.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2548 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.Police are responding to two separate shootings, that occurred within minutes of each other in the Salem Road North and Taunton Road East area of Ajax. Multiple resources have been deployed and remain in the area. Officers are looking for information about a white Honda SUV seen… pic.twitter.com/cczUt19RSb
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