Toronto police credit ‘covert assets’ in arrest after shooting at Jewish-owned eatery
Written by The Canadian Press on April 8, 2026
TORONTO — Toronto police say they have arrested and charged a man accused of firing multiple shots at a Jewish-owned restaurant last week.
Chief Myron Demkiw says the suspect was apprehended two days after the Friday morning shooting in part because police “covert assets” had seen the suspect fleeing.
Supt. Ryan Forde says officers were already in the area of Avenue Road and Brooke Avenue because Toronto police have ramped up patrols in Jewish neighbourhoods during Passover.
He says officers were able to get a licence plate and a description of the vehicle the suspect allegedly fled in, which led to the execution of a search warrant in Brampton, Ont.
Police say a 30-year-old Brampton man has been charged with four offences, including discharging a restricted firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Forde touted the “proactive policing” that led to the quick arrest, saying that having the right resources in place allowed officers to respond without delay.
He said the motive behind the shooting remains unknown and that this is the second time this restaurant owner has been targeted.
Demkiw said no injuries were reported in the incident but the shooting at the Jewish-owned business has had a “real impact on people’s sense of security,” particularly in Toronto’s Jewish community.
The overnight shooting at the restaurant comes a month after three Toronto-area synagogues were struck with gunfire in a matter of days. No injuries were reported in those incidents.
“Today, we send a clear message to whoever else is thinking of targeting our communities. We will do everything we can to stop you and hold you accountable,” Demkiw said.
The police chief noted that the force’s newly formed counterterrorism and security unit played a role in the restaurant shooting investigation.
Chief Supt. Katherine Stephenson said the unit will be involved in investigations where there is reason to believe that extremism or hate is a motivating factor.
Hate-motivated crime charges have not been laid in this case but police did not rule out the possibility of further charges as the investigation continues.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2026.
Kathryn Mannie, The Canadian Press