Three family members shot in violent Bridle Path home invasion, Toronto CEO speaks out
A Toronto family was shot and attacked with a hammer during a home invasion in the affluent Bridle Path neighbourhood. Police are searching for three suspects.
Bridle Path family shot, beaten with hammer as Toronto police hunt three suspects
Global News Crime reports that a Toronto family has described their violent home invasion as a "terrifying and life-threatening experience," as police continue searching for three armed suspects believed responsible for the early-morning attack.
David Morton, CEO of Toronto-based real estate company MAC Group, released a statement Friday identifying his family as the victims. Three family members were recovering in hospital after being shot during the attack, which took place shortly after 3:40 a.m. Thursday at a residence on Hyde Park Circle in the city's affluent Bridle Path neighbourhood. All four family members 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. "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."
All four victims are expected to survive, though two reportedly suffered life-altering injuries.
According to investigators, a father, mother and their two adult daughters were inside when masked suspects armed with guns and a hammer forced entry through the rear door. The suspects moved to the second floor and demanded valuables before an altercation broke out. Multiple shots were fired, striking the father and his two daughters. The mother was not shot.
Toronto police described the three suspects as men believed to be around 20 years old, dressed in dark clothing and face masks. They fled the scene in a dark-coloured SUV and are considered armed and dangerous.
Toronto police Insp. Kristy Smith said Thursday it remained unclear whether anything was stolen or whether 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."
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the force has assigned some of its most experienced investigators and specialized teams to the case. Residents in the Bridle Path area can expect an increased police presence in the coming days, police said.
Morton said his family is "deeply concerned" about the broader pattern of violence connected to home invasions across the city. So far this year, 119 home invasions have been reported in Toronto — an increase of more than 32 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to police.
"No family should ever have to experience this," Morton wrote. "People should be able to sleep peacefully in their homes without fear of armed individuals breaking in and threatening their lives."
Morton urged anyone with information to come forward and said his family hopes those responsible will be "identified, apprehended and brought to justice." The family is asking for privacy as they continue to recover.
Source: Global News Crime