The Entertainment District of Toronto became the scene of a pre-dawn emergency Tuesday, as police responded to reports of a shooting on King Street West. Officers arrived near Spadina Avenue just before 4:45 a.m. to find a man in his twenties suffering from gunshot wounds, lying outside.
First responders immediately initiated life-saving measures at the scene, battling to stabilize the injured man before rushing him to the hospital via emergency run. The urgency of the situation underscored the gravity of the incident as paramedics worked against the clock.
King Street West was closed to traffic between Spadina and Brant Street, transforming the vibrant entertainment hub into a temporary crime scene as investigators meticulously began their work. Authorities have yet to identify any suspects in connection with the shooting.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation led by the Toronto Police Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force culminated in the arrest of a 41-year-old man. The investigation focused on an individual suspected of illegally possessing a firearm.
On November 22nd, officers executed a search warrant at a residence near Mount Pleasant Road and Broadway Avenue. The search yielded a loaded semi-automatic handgun and a significant quantity of ammunition, prompting the immediate arrest of Derrick Bowyer.
Bowyer now faces a series of serious charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited weapon, and multiple counts related to prohibited devices and ammunition. He is also accused of violating existing prohibition orders.
In a third, disturbing case, Toronto Police are investigating a sexual assault alleged to have occurred in 2024. Details emerged this month, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The alleged assault took place after the accused, Justin Aguiar, invited the victim back to his apartment within the Entertainment District. The subsequent events led to the charges now facing Aguiar.
Justin Aguiar, 28, was arrested on November 20th and charged with sexual assault. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 14, 2026, to address the allegations.
Police are actively seeking information related to all three incidents. Anyone with knowledge pertaining to the shooting, the firearm possession, or the alleged sexual assault is urged to contact authorities or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
