Toronto Police confirm they've made an arrest in connection with Thursday afternoon's shooting of two young sisters at a Scarborough playground, near McCowan and Steeles.
Police say Sheldon Eriya, 21, of Markham, was arrested on Friday in Pickering.
He faces seven charges, including two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault, discharge firearm, possession for the purpose of cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime.
Eriya made a court appearance Saturday morning.
Police say they continue to search for two other suspects, both males, but they are releasing very little other information on the matter.
"It's still an active investigation," NEWSTALK1010 Crime Specialist Mark Mendelson told Ted Woloshyn, Saturday afternoon. "One of the things that investigators always have to do is to maintain the integrity of an investigation and that means giving out as little information as possible during the course, so I think that's where they are right now."
The shooting happened at about 5 p.m. Thursday, after a vehicle had pulled up to the townhouse complex that housed the playground. Investigators said the shooter got out of the vehicle and immediately started firing shots - at least seven of them - towards the park area.
The girls, 9 and 5 years old, underwent emergency surgery and are said to be doing well. They remain at SickKids Hospital and are both expected to make a full recovery.
Mayor John Tory, meantime, told CP24 he's relieved the first suspect was caught so quickly.
"[It's] huge progress made by our police service and I thank them and congratulate them for bringing one person under arrest," he said. "Now I know the task remains in front of them to round up the rest of the people involved in this, and let the justice system take its course."
"We've got to get these people off the street and serve notice to everybody else who carries a gun and who would even think of doing such a thing. They're going to be rounded up and we're going to make sure that they're put away."
Meantime, in a release put out by SickKids Saturday afternoon, the family of the victims is thanking the community.
Statement:
"We wish to send our thanks to the entire community for the outpouring of support during this crisis. The response has been overwhelming and we can't express our gratitude enough.
A very special thanks to the police officers and staff of 42 Division, Toronto Chief of Police Mark Saunders, and Mayor John Tory for their tireless efforts and for working round the clock.
At this time the focus is on the recovery and rehabilitation of the girls. We ask that you keep them in your prayers for a speedy recovery and would kindly like to ask for privacy at this time."