Violent Toronto home invasion was ‘terrifying,’ family says as police seek suspects

TORONTO — The head of a corporate real estate firm whose family was attacked during a violent home invasion in Toronto’s affluent Bridle Path neighbourhood says they experienced a “horrific” ordeal and are focused on recovery as police seek three suspects in the case.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, CEO of MAC Group David Morton said three members of his family were recovering in the hospital after being shot during the attack early on Thursday. He said all four members of his family were also attacked with a hammer.

“What should have been the safety and security of our own home became a terrifying and life-threatening experience,” Morton wrote in the statement.

“It is difficult to put into words the trauma of experiencing something so horrific in the one place where everyone should feel safest: their own home.”

Police first received reports of three people shot inside a residence on Hyde Park Circle at around 3:40 a.m. Thursday.

Investigators said a father, mother and their two adult daughters were in the home when masked suspects forced their way in through the rear door, armed with guns and a hammer. Police said the father and the two daughters were shot.

The male suspects then made their way to the second floor of the home and demanded valuables, police said. They got into an “altercation” with the family and shot their weapons multiple times, investigators said.

All three suspects in the violent attack were wearing dark clothing, are estimated to be about 20 years old and are considered armed and dangerous, police said in an update Friday. They fled in a dark-coloured SUV.

While his family is recovering from the attack, Morton said they are also “deeply concerned” about increasing home invasion violence across Toronto.

“No family should ever have to experience this. People should be able to sleep peacefully in their homes without fear of armed individuals breaking in and threatening their lives,” he wrote in his statement.

He urged anyone with information about the attack at his home to come forward. “We sincerely hope that the individuals responsible will be identified, apprehended and brought to justice.”

Toronto police Insp. Kristy Smith told a news conference Thursday that it was unclear if any belongings were stolen, or if the home was specifically targeted.

“Typically in an affluent neighbourhood come nice things,” she said. “There’s always people out there that want to acquire nice things.”

So far this year, 119 home invasions have been reported in Toronto, up more than 32 per cent from the same time last year, police said in an email.

At a Toronto police board meeting in April, Smith said the city saw a significant increase in home invasions in 2024, connected to the rise in violent car thefts.

This year, some neighbourhoods have become “hot spots” for these offences, she said. That includes areas in the police force’s 32 Division, which covers multiple neighbourhoods across North York, and 53 Division, covering midtown Toronto.

The Bridle Path neighbourhood is located in 33 Division, which also saw an increase in home invasion offences, according to police data.

Violent home invasions have been reported across the Greater Toronto Area in recent years.

In August of 2025, a man was fatally shot in his Vaughan home during a home invasion when he confronted the suspects. The man’s brother said one of the intruders allegedly pointed a gun at the man’s children before shooting him. His family witnessed the shooting.

Earlier that summer, Peel regional police laid 136 charges against 12 people after an investigation into violent home invasions and jewelry store robberies. They said 17 such incidents took place between May and December 2024.

As Toronto police continue to investigate the Bridle Path shooting, they say they will have an increased presence in the neighbourhood.

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

Morton said people have reached out with messages of concern and support. “The outpouring of kindness has meant a great deal to us during this incredibly difficult time.”

The family is focused on recovery and asks for privacy, Morton wrote.

“Our priority is getting through this together,” he wrote.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2026.

Sadeen Mohsen, The Canadian Press