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A shooting in Scarborough where five men were shot after evening prayers was not hate related, police say.
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On Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 1 a.m., police were called for a shooting in the Markham Rd. and Lawrence Ave. E. area where a group of men had gathered in a plaza parking lot to decide where to go and eat when they were fired at from a vehicle.
“We know understandably that there is concern in the Muslim community, but there is no evidence this is a hate crime,” said Staff Sgt. Lauren Pogue on Friday at police headquarters.
“We have not uncovered any evidence these victims were targeted because they were Muslims.”
The vehicle from which the shots were fired had multiple occupants.
It is described as a dark blue, four-door sedan, with dark wheel rims that are either custom or winter steel rims.
It was seen around 1 a.m. on the day of the shooting on Hiscock Blvd. and then seen travelling north on Markham.
The five men shot were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“They didn’t do anything to incite this incident,” Pogue said.
“Police are working around the clock and officers are still canvassing the area.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Police are asking for anyone with video surveillance of the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2510, Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
