York Regional Police describe a chaotic scene as at least three people were hit by bullets at a hookah bar in Vaughan.
The violence unfolded outside the Cameo Lounge on Steeles Ave W, east of Weston Rd at about 2:40 a.m Monday. Police initially believed shots had been fired inside as well, but later determined all the gunfire was limited to outside.
A 22-year-old Toronto man is clinging to life after being shot while another man and a woman suffered serious injuries. With an estimated 100 people in and around the club at the time of the shooting, police are not entirely sure that no one else was hurt. Club-goers were taking off in cars when police arrived.
Police do not yet have any suspect information to share. They are not able to say either of any of the victims appear to have been targeted.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423 x7441 or to contact Crime Stoppers.
The shooting comes two days after Vaughan's mayor issued a statement, urging citizens not to live in fear after a spate of shootings in the city.
"Further to the recent tragic events in the past few weeks, as Mayor I want to assure citizens of Vaughan that we are working closely with York Regional Police. They have allocated significant resources to these investigations and will provide information as appropriate. The safety and security of our citizens is of the utmost importance. We maintain a strong partnership with Police Chief Eric Jolliffe and his team – they have our complete confidence.
We understand the public’s concern over the senseless shootings, but we should not live in fear. Despite these incidents, the City of Vaughan remains one of the safest cities in Canada. These terrible tragedies appear to be isolated and not intended for the larger community.
If anyone has information that could assist, I ask them to please contact the police or Crime Stoppers. We all have a role to play when it comes to keeping our city safe.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua