Two teens were shot Friday evening in Flemingdon Park, leaving police searching for multiple suspects who fled the scene in what investigators are calling a targeted attack.
The shooting occurred around 7:20 p.m. near Gateway Boulevard and Grenoble Drive, where officers responded to reports of gunfire in a residential area popular with families. Upon arrival, police found two teenage boys suffering from gunshot wounds.
“We believe this was not a random incident,” said Toronto Police Inspector James Ramer during a media briefing at the scene. “The preliminary investigation suggests the victims were specifically targeted by the suspects who approached them on foot.”
Both victims, aged 16 and 17, were transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. As of Saturday morning, both teens were reported to be in stable condition.
Witnesses described seeing three to four male suspects fleeing westbound toward the Don Valley Parkway immediately after the shooting. Police have not yet released detailed descriptions but confirmed they’re reviewing security footage from nearby buildings.
“This happened in a busy neighbourhood when many people were still outside,” said Constable Sarah Chen. “We’re asking anyone who may have seen something or has dashcam footage from the area between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. to contact investigators.”
The shooting has rattled residents in Flemingdon Park, a diverse east Toronto neighbourhood that has seen community-led efforts to reduce youth violence in recent years.
Local councillor Angela Burman expressed concern about the incident. “This kind of violence has no place in our community. We’ve been working with youth programs and community police to build safer spaces for young people,” Burman told Mediawall.news.
Residents gathered Saturday morning near the cordoned-off crime scene, where forensic officers continued to collect evidence. Samir Khan, who has lived in the area for over a decade, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers before realizing they were gunshots.
“My kids play in that very spot most evenings. It could have been much worse if it happened an hour earlier when the playground was full,” Khan said.
The Toronto Police Service’s Gun and Gang Task Force has taken over the investigation. Officers have been canvassing door-to-door throughout the neighbourhood, seeking additional witnesses or surveillance footage.
This incident follows a troubling pattern of youth-involved shootings across the city. According to Toronto Police data, gun violence involving victims under 18 has increased 14% compared to this time last year.
Community advocate Desiree Williams from Youth Opportunities Network called for increased resources. “We need more than just police response. We need sustained investment in youth programs, mental health support, and economic opportunities in neighbourhoods like Flemingdon Park.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Toronto Police Service or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
