Three shot in Bridle Path home invasion, police say

A father and his two adult daughters were shot during a violent home invasion in Toronto’s affluent Bridle Path neighbourhood early Thursday, Toronto police said.

Police said they received reports of three people shot inside a residence near Bayview Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East at about 3:44 a.m. Four members of the family, two parents and two adult children, were taken to hospital. Two suffered life-altering injuries and two have non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Insp. Kristy Smith said the masked suspects were armed with guns and a hammer and forced their way in through the rear door. They demanded valuables from the family, but Smith said it was not clear whether anything was stolen.

“A struggle ensued and the suspects shot their weapons multiple times,” Smith said. One victim was struck with a hammer. Three suspects fled in an SUV, and police have not released any descriptions.

“We recognize how frightening and disturbing an incident like this is,” Smith said. “People should be able to feel safe in their homes.”

Police said the investigation is continuing and that there will be an increased police presence in the neighbourhood. Investigators asked anyone with doorbell camera, surveillance or dash camera footage to contact them. It was not immediately clear whether the home was specifically targeted, according to police.

Toronto police spokesperson Ashley Visser said data as of last Friday show 119 home invasions have been reported in the city this year, up more than 35 per cent from the same point last year. Home invasions in the Bridle Path, one of the wealthiest areas in the country, remain rare.

Mayor Olivia Chow said she was deeply troubled by the attack, according to local reports.

The Bridle Path is a residential enclave of large properties in northeast Toronto, near Bayview and Lawrence. Because the investigation is active, police have not named the family, and Canada News Media is not naming them.

Police have not said whether the attackers are believed to be linked to other recent home invasions in the Greater Toronto Area. Investigators have not announced any arrests. Anyone with information can contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers.

This is a developing story and will be updated as police release more information.

Sources: The Canadian Press, CP24, The Globe and Mail.

If you find reporting like this useful, consider supporting Canada News Media, an independent Canadian newsroom with no corporate parent.