Toronto rapper wanted for murder may have travelled to Western Canada, police say
Toronto Police Services (TPS) are requesting the public’s assistance for a second time with locating a man wanted in connection with the January 2021 murder of Hashim Omar Hashi.
Just before 9 p.m. on Jan. 31, TPS responded to reports of gunfire in the Jane Street and Falstaff Avenue area in Toronto.
It is alleged that a man attempting to drive his car into the garage of an apartment building at 40 Falstaff Avenue was shot at numerous times. TPS located an unresponsive victim, now identified as Hashim Omar Hashi, 20, in the driver's seat, suffering from gunshot wounds, pronouncing him deceased at the scene.
Additionally, it has been alleged that the suspect vehicle, which was observed fleeing the scene eastbound on Falstaff Avenue, was located fully engulfed in flames at Earl Bales Park.
Hassan Ali, 22, of Toronto, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of failing to comply with recognizance.
He was originally charged with accessory after the fact to murder, but the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder in May 2021.
Ali, a local rapper, is also known under his stage name, Top5. Top5’s social media accounts have remained active while under warrant.
On June 20, in a story posted to Top5’s Instagram account, Ali tagged Vaughan, Ontario as his location.
However, Toronto Police Services has reason to believe that Ali has travelled to Western Canada, according to a news release on the investigation.
“Investigators believe he has travelled to Kelowna and Calgary and are urging anyone with information to contact police,” TPS said.
“No matter how insignificant the information may seem, all tips are important and could be key to the investigation.”
TPS believe Ali to be violent and dangerous and ask that anyone who locates him call 911 immediately, rather than approach him.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.