A young man’s life was tragically cut short Tuesday afternoon in Toronto, the victim of a brazen daylight shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Shivank Avasthi, just 20 years old, was found with a gunshot wound along the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road around 3:30 p.m.
Police responded to urgent reports of a seriously injured person, arriving to find Avasthi already beyond help. The scene unfolded in a public area, sending ripples of shock and fear through the nearby university community.
The perpetrator, or perpetrators, vanished before officers could arrive, prompting an immediate lockdown of the campus as investigators began their search. The area became a focal point for forensic teams and detectives seeking any clue to identify those responsible.
This devastating incident marks the 41st homicide in Toronto this year, a stark reminder of the escalating violence gripping the city. The loss of such a young life underscores the urgent need for answers and a commitment to public safety.
Meanwhile, in Vaughan, an unsettling unprovoked assault left one individual injured. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday in a plaza parking lot near Mable Smith Way and Interchange Way.
Two people were walking when a man suddenly approached from behind, grabbing one of them and attacking with a sharp object. The victim received medical attention for minor injuries, but the psychological impact of such a random act of violence is undoubtedly significant.
Police are searching for a male suspect described as being in his late 30s to early 40s, approximately 5-foot-10 to 6-foot tall, with a medium to heavy build. He had facial hair and may have been wearing a dark tuque concealing his hair, along with a distinctive blue and green plaid jacket and dark pants.
Investigators are urgently requesting assistance from the public, specifically seeking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the assault. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could prove crucial in identifying and apprehending the attacker.
