Police have arrested a 30 year old man from Brampton in connection with a shooting at a Jewish owned restaurant in the North York area of Toronto, an incident that has raised renewed concerns about targeted violence and community safety. Authorities say the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at the business during the early morning hours of April 3 before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire near Avenue Road and Brooke Avenue at approximately 1:28 a.m. Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage that appeared to show a lone individual approaching the restaurant, discharging a firearm from outside the building, and leaving the area in a dark coloured SUV. The case quickly drew attention because the same business owner had previously been targeted in a separate shooting incident last month.
According to police, investigators from the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force worked alongside the Hate Crime Unit and Counter Terrorism Security Unit to identify a suspect. A search warrant was executed on April 5 in the Bovaird Drive East and Torbram Road area of Brampton, leading to the arrest of Mohamed Mahdi. He faces several firearm related charges, including discharging a restricted or prohibited firearm and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm. He was scheduled to appear in court on April 6.
Myron Demkiw said the shooting had a wider impact beyond physical damage to property, particularly given concerns within the city’s Jewish community. He noted that even without injuries, incidents like this can significantly affect people’s sense of security. The timing of the shooting during Passover also heightened concerns within the community.
Police credited enhanced patrols in Jewish neighbourhoods for helping officers quickly identify the suspect. Ryan Forde said officers already deployed in the area were able to respond immediately, gather key evidence, and obtain details about the suspect vehicle. Investigators also relied on surveillance footage and other collected evidence to support the arrest. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with additional information to contact police.
