‘This is despicable’: Toronto police chief after 2 girls shot at playground

By 680 NEWS STAFF

TORONTO (NEWS 1130) – Two sisters, aged five and nine, are in the hospital after being shot at a Scarborough playground in what Chief Mark Saunders called a “despicable act”.

It happened at around 5 p.m. Thursday. Police estimate there were about 11 children playing in the park at the time of the shooting.

“Some cowards came into this neighbourhood and opened fire into a playground,” said Saunders, who added that the children were not the intended targets. An adult male that was in the park was believed to be the intended target.

Police are currently looking for the man they believe was the intended victim, and would not comment on whether the man may be related to any of the children in the park.

The younger of the two girls was brought to hospital in critical condition, but police now say her condition has improved and her injuries are no longer life-threatening. The other girl has serious but non life-threatening injuries.

A third person suffered minor injuries but was assessed at the scene and not taken to hospital.

Saunders said police are looking for two suspects, one who fired the weapon and they are also looking for the driver of the vehicle the shooter fled the scene in.

No suspect description is currently available, but Saunders said witnesses are cooperating and police are obtaining security video from the area.

“We are going to do anything and everything we can to restore safety in this neighbourhood,” Saunders vowed. “This is a cowardly act… there’s no bravery here, in fact this is absolute stupidity.”

When asked if Toronto was becoming increasingly dangerous, Saunders maintained it was still safe in comparison to other large cities.

Premier-designate Doug Ford reacted to the incident in a tweet and said they are monitoring the situation.

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