'Countless lives were at risk:' 8 charged, including teen wanted in deadly home invasion, after West Queen West gun battle
A teenage boy arrested along with more than 20 others following a gun battle in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood on Monday night was wanted in connection with a deadly home invasion in Etobicoke back in April, Toronto police say.
During a news conference on Thursday morning, police confirmed that the 16-year-old has now been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Matthew Bergart.
Police previously said Bergart, 30, was shot multiple times after three suspects forced their way into a townhouse near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Long Branch Avenue in the early morning hours of April 25.
The suspects made a demand for valuables and the victim was shot after a struggle ensued, police said. He was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries.
The 16-year-old suspect was under a firearms prohibition at the time of his arrest, police said. He cannot be identified as per the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
According to police, the teen was among 23 suspects who were arrested on Monday night after at least 100 shots were fired between two rival groups in the area of Queen Street West and Sudbury Street.
According to police, three occupants of a stolen vehicle pulled into a grocery store parking lot in the area, exited the vehicle, and began firing at a group who were gathering for a birthday party. The incident escalated to an exchange of gunfire between two groups.
The bullets hit an unmarked police cruiser with plainclothes officers inside, police said.
“Bullets pierced through the front, back and sides of the vehicle, narrowly missing the officers and riddling cars and surrounding buildings,” Staff Supt. Joe Matthews said Thursday.
Despite the barrage of bullets, no injuries were reported.
Matthews said the gun fight occurred in a busy part of the city where “countless lives were at risk.”
“It is a miracle that no one was injured,” Matthews added.
Eight people have been charged in connection with the shootout and police say two of the suspects were out on bail at the time of the arrests. The suspects range in age from 16 to 30.
Sixteen firearms were seized during the investigation and all of the guns can be traced back to the United States, Matthews noted.
“These weapons serve as a stark reminder of the real and present danger that illegal firearms pose to our community, to innocent citizens and to officers who bravely respond to these incidents,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
Banks lower prime rates following Bank of Canada move
Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada.
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago
Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river.
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.
Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages
Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues.
Poilievre's Conservatives still in majority territory: Nanos seat projections
The Liberals' promise of a temporary GST break and $250 rebate cheques haven't benefited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his minority government when it comes to public support, according to Nanos Research data.