TORONTO – Toronto police now say the victim of a shooting in Cabbagetown on Thursday had grabbed an elderly woman and had used her as a shield against the gunfire.
Police found the victim outside an seniors’ apartment building at 55 Bleecker St., near Carlton and Sherbourne streets, around 11:30 p.m. He was shot multiple times.
The victim, Nixon Nirmalendran, 21, was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
It’s also been learned that Nirmalendran was the brother of one of the two victims of the Eaton Centre shooting in June 2012.
According to police, the gunman chased Nirmalendran into 55 Bleecker St. and cornered him inside the front doors. As the gunman opened fire, Nirmalendran continuously ducked behind a woman who was passing by.
“As she’s entering the premise, there’s a sound of gunfire that erupts, and the resident is used somewhat as a shield, as this shooting is going on,” Det. Sgt. Terry Browne told reporters, Friday.
“It certainly looks as though the resident was placed in harms way to protect the intended target,” he added. “It is absolutely disturbing to see this type of activity taking place. Number one: It is a seniors residence – wanton disregard for life.”
Police said the woman, a resident of the building, was very lucky because there were bullets flying and glass shattering through the lobby, a place where residents often gather.
“Given the hour of day, we were very fortunate there wasn’t more pedestrian activity. We’re very lucky that no one else was injured,” said Browne. “There were bullets flying, and as we’ve seen, glass was being shattered.”
Police have good-quality security video of the violence, while Browne said part of the investigation will concern whether this incident was retaliation for the Eaton Centre shooting.
No arrests have been made.
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Nothing more pleasing than to find out the coward (who was likely posing as a tough-guy thug, and in trouble with a gang) died, and the elderly shield he tried to hide behind survived. And when they locate the shooter – lethal injection, and then we move on.
Let me start by saying I abhor violence and cruelty. It is a base human condition that permits us to engage in these acts. It stems from millennia of evolution of our species. However only recently in our existence, and for this I use recorded and anecdotal history, have we as a people been driven by the pursuit of wealth and power in order to satiate our quest for life. As human beings we are driven to find food and shelter as a primary driver. Clothing stems from environmental needs (and health) but it is secondary to the need for food and shelter. Crime, violent crime, stems from the age old notion that I want what I want, I need what I need and if you (society) can’t give it to me, I’ll just take it by any means necessary. I want I take and I am happy. This stems from the pursuit of wealth and power. We idolize figures in entertainment and business. When we realize we can’t be like them the majority of us shrug our shoulders and accept it. We move on with our weird little lives and try to be as happy as we can. However there are those who are not satisfied with not being able to “have me some of that” so they cut corners, short circuit the moral compass and use violence to get what they cannot earn.
As long as the pursuit of wealth is the driving factor in our lives, crime will not only be present, it will continue to grow and thrive. Only by changing our collective priorities will we ever see a decline in the senseless violence we see everyday.
Hey there everybody who thinks that more lawss will have an affect on the lawless. If the last 50 or 60 laws have not stopped this, then why will the 51st or 61st. If you really believe that one more law will really do anything to stop any of this, then you live in a dream world. You may not like it but Great White did make a point in that nothing else is working. If you look at the issue while leaving your emotions aside, the criminals know that ther are the only ones that have the ability to protect themselves, or to inflict harm on anyone that they want. Right now if Canada you must be a victim, plain and simple.(yes that has changed slightly) Many would rather be the victim and let someone else protect them ,but who has the highest vested interest in your life or the life of your famliy. The Government? The Police? No, you thats who. I say if people want to take the stand and protect themselves, rather than be a victim, then that should be their choice and their right. My life is mine to protect, not someone else`s, The same goes for my family.
Sad thing is… We’ll never win this battle, never… Until people are allowed to protect themselves with equal force, ONLY then will anyone stand even a chance, which is a lot better than no chance at all. I’m quite certain ANY criminal would think twice, maybe three times if they knew this person may be licensed and carrying… I personally don’t like the idea, but nothing else is working…..
But we can post on here as often as we all like, no one listens… government sure as heck doesn’t…
More guns is your solution?
Why because that seems to be working so well for the US of A?
I has done nothing to stem the violence, tougher gun laws would though.
@Great White but but but that’s what the police are for, see they showed up right after everything was already over /sarc
Yes, more guns = less shooting. Makes sense to me.
Of course, I have severe brain damage.
Are you a member of the NRA too?
Yea that carrying guns things really works for the US.
Way to be educated buddy.
Please are you kidding me?!?!? ALL of us running around with guns is going to make the city safer – dream on buddy – dream on
Second violent incident in this area within only a few months. Last one was the stabbing in October. Extremely unnerving.
It’s actually the fourth. Two people were stabbed near Bleecker and Wellesley a few months ago.
There were a lot of shots fired. I’d guess about 10. Far too close to home for my liking, especially as I’d been out there only about 5 minutes before it happened. I hope the victim survives and that they catch the shooter soon.