Police are trying to identify two suspects who they believe canvassed the perimeter of a Scarborough plaza before opening fire on a group of people, ultimately killing one man.
Yusef Hagi Ahmed, 27, was shot during the course of an altercation outside Tropics Restaurant and Bar on Markham Road near Eglinton Avenue at around 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 14.
Two other people were also hurt in the shooting.
A woman who was shot in the hand was taken to hospital in serious condition and a man sustained a minor wound to his leg.
Speaking with reporters at a news conference Friday, Det. Jeff Tavares said that the suspects “cased out” the plaza where the restaurant was located before the shooting.
“I believe the people responsible for this are familiar with the neighbourhood. I think they’re familiar with the plaza. As they walk down the rear driveway, they tuck their heads down knowing that there’s a camera,” he said. “They know the area.”
In surveillance camera footage, the suspects can be seen walking east on Luella Street before heading toward a driveway at the rear of the plaza. The two suspects then return to Luella Street and walk east toward Markham Road, where the bar faces.
At that point, Tavares said shots were fired. Soon after, the two suspects can be seen fleeing on foot heading west on Luella.
“What we were able to gather is that there was a group of people outside the bar having a cigarette or sharing a cigarette. These two people come onto the sidewalk where they begin to shoot rounds in that direction, people flee the area, including the deceased,” he said.
The victim died a short time later.
Taveres said he can’t determine whether the shooting was targeted because two others were wounded in the incident.
“Essentially this is a very small bar. They serve food and alcohol. It’s a very tight knit area where everybody pretty much knows everybody,” he said. “So, they were friends of another group of friends… they all came together and were just enjoying the evening.”
The first suspect was last seen wearing a dark three-quarter-length jacket with a hood, a light coloured hooded sweater and dark pants.
The second suspect was last seen wearing a three-quarter-length jacket with a hood and dark pants with a white stripe along the leg.
“The two assailants are pretty dressed up and covered up,” he said.
“I’d like the public to view what the two suspects are wearing. If they recall anybody wearing dark pants with a thick white stripe. I think the people in the Markham and Eglinton area will be familiar with what these people are dressed in. The pants are very distinctive.”
Tavares said the victim lived with his parents and siblings in the area and said the family is "very upset” about the loss of their loved one.
He urged anyone who recognizes the suspects in the video or anyone who has information to contact police.
“Any information from the public is obviously going to help us progress in this investigation,” he said.
