York cops release photo of suspect vehicle linked to boxing club shooting
· Toronto Sun
Cops have released a photo of a vehicle allegedly linked to a targeted shooting at a Richmond Hill boxing club over the weekend.
York Regional Police said they responded Sunday at about 3 a.m. to reports of gunfire at a commercial plaza north of the Yonge St. and Steeles Ave. W. area.
Visit arroznegro.club for more information.
The Toronto Sun ‘s Joe Warmington had earlier reported that the shooting targeted a boxing gym run by a well-known activist for Iranian freedom hours after the announced death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Tehran.
On social media, Salar Gholami, a Canadian cruiserweight champion who grew up in Iran and runs the Saliwan Boxing Club, recorded a video showing the front entrance of his gym in Richmond Hill after it was shot up with numerous rounds.
“It’s concerning because the gym was hit with 17 bullets, which means it was meant for 17 bodies,” said Gholami, who added that intimidation of Iran’s critics “could become a real problem for Canada … and they are going to have to stop that.”
Photo of suspect vehicle released
York police, who have yet to determine a motive in the shooting, said officers located damage consistent with multiple rounds having been fired at the business, which was unoccupied at the time.
There were no reported injuries.
Surveillance video shows a dark SUV parked at the commercial plaza and a suspect dressed in dark clothing exiting the vehicle for a few minutes before getting back into the driver’s seat.
The vehicle then flees from the scene and was last seen going eastbound on Highland Park Blvd.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Cops ‘working closely’ with intelligence partners
Investigators are appealing to anyone who has not yet spoken to police to come forward. Additionally, officers are seeking surveillance video or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the shooting.
Police said they are aware of concerns within the community that this incident may be linked to broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, but that the investigation is ongoing.
“We recognize these concerns and take them seriously and are examining all available leads and evidence as we’re working closely with policing and intelligence partners to assess any potential links, including the possibility of politically motivated or transnational elements,” cops said in a news release.
Anyone with information can contact the firearms investigations team by calling 1-866-876-5423, Ext. 7817, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or 1800222tips.com .