Woman dead after shooting in Etobicoke: Toronto police

Police say suspect fled the scene and a description is not yet available, believe it was targeted

A woman is dead after a shooting in Etobicoke on Friday morning, said Toronto police.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting around 7:23 a.m. near Humberwood Boulevard and Rexdale Boulevard, Toronto police Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury said at a news conference at the scene.

He said police found a woman with a gunshot wound, but she was later pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency responders attempting life-saving measures.

He said the shooting took place "outside in the public" and not at a home in the neighbourhood.

The victim is an adult female, but Bradbury said no other details would be provided about her as next of kin have not yet been notified.

He said a male suspect was seen fleeing the scene and that police are still trying to locate the individual. Police deployed several resources, including drones and the K9 unit, to search for the suspect and ensure the neighbourhood is safe, Bradbury said.

Investigators believe the incident was targeted and that there is no threat to public safety, said Const. Shannon Eames in an emailed statement. She said Toronto police's emergency task force also attended the scene Friday morning.

Bradbury said he can't provide exact details on how investigators determined the incident was targeted. He said the homicide team is now investigating the case.

Humberwood Boulevard between Morning Star Drive and Rexdale Boulevard is closed for vehicle and pedestrian traffic for the time being, said Toronto police on social media platform X.

Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area, as investigators search for witnesses, evidence and any video recordings.

Bradbury urged anyone with information to reach out to police or to Crime Stoppers.

Man shot woman once, then ran: witness

A witness in the area told CBC News they were having their morning coffee outside when they saw a woman, who looked to be in her early-to-mid 20s, walking eastbound on Humberwood.

They then saw a man walking after the woman and said something to her, causing her to turn around. After a brief interaction for a few seconds, the man shot once at the woman and ran away with a gun, said the witness.

They said the two individuals did not appear to have been arguing and that they immediately called 911 when the woman fell to the ground. The witness said they tried to pursue the man, who looked to be in his 30s.

CBC News is not naming the witness as the suspect remains at large.

Resident Dalbir Aulakh said the neighbourhood is very peaceful and that it's shocking to see the area closed off suddenly for a police investigation.

"It's really scary," he said. "I've never had this kind of problem here."

With files from Naama Weingarten