2 killed, 2 injured in Scarborough 'gun battle,' police say

Two people are dead and two others are badly injured after what police called a "gun battle" in Scarborough early Wednesday.

The suspected shootout happened around 2:30 a.m. in a strip mall parking lot in the area of Ellesmere Road and Midland Avenue. 

Responding officers found four people with gunshot wounds. 

A male victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while a female victim was rushed to Sunnybrook Hospital where she died a short time after arriving at the trauma centre.

Two other males were also taken to Sunnybrook, where they underwent emergency surgery, said Det. Rod Benson.

Benson said early evidence suggests multiple weapons were fired. Police recovered a large number of shell casings at the scene, he added.

"I cannot say exactly how many, but I can tell you it was a lot," he told reporters. "It has all the earmarks of what would appear to be a gun battle."

Speaking from the scene Wednesday afternoon, Duty Insp. Todd Jocko told reporters that police will release the victims's identities once next of kin have all been notified.

"At this time, we don't know what led to the shooting incident, but we can say there were several bullet casings — a number of casings — that were located on scene, and we believe that several firearms were used."

Jocko also said it's too early in the investigation to say if those involved knew each other or if there are any links to organized crime.

Police are now canvassing for surveillance video, he said. No suspect descriptions have been made available.

"We are appealing to the public for assistance. If you were in the area at the time of this incident … and you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact police," he said.

"We understand that incidents like this, where people are shot, people are killed, creates a significant concern for members of the community. Please know that we are dedicating all necessary resources to this investigation."