Toronto police arrest 10, lay 203 charges following violence, including mass shooting at bar

​​​​​​​By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Toronto police said Wednesday they arrested 10 people and laid 203 charges in “terrifying events” including an outburst of gunfire that injured 12 patrons at a bar.

Police Superintendent Paul MacIntyre said in a statement that gunmen fired weapons indiscriminately in several areas.

“This was a terrifying series of events for the victims and for our city – a group of individuals opening fire in public spaces, seemingly without hesitation,” he said. “Our investigators from the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force followed the evidence wherever it led – across city lines and jurisdictional borders – and they never slowed down or gave up,” said MacIntyre who is a member of the Organized Crime Enforcement group.

Police began their investigation after suspects were reported to have opened fire in the Piper Arms Pub on March 7.

The attack injured a dozen patrons, including nine who were shot. Police said all survived but some sustained life-altering injuries.

Police said they linked the attack to several unsolved shootings in the city between March and May. Other incidents included gunmen firing in public places, a tow truck yard, a gas station and a commercial plaza.

"This kind of brazen violence is completely unacceptable. Gun violence has no place in our city, and we will continue to use every tool we have to stop it,” said Police Chief Myron Demkiw in the statement.