Man shot while kids play

Currently Listening To: NIN- Eraser

By HIMANI EDIRIWEERA, TORONTO SUN



DOZENS OF children watched in horror yesterday as a gunshot victim collapsed and died at the entrance of a Dundas St. apartment building. Police cordoned off the Metro Housing building at 540 Dundas St. E, at the corner of Sackville St., about 7:30 p.m., shortly after getting reports of shots being fired.

"I was walking home from the doctor's when I heard two or three gunshots," said 13-year-old Asif Hussaini, who lives in the complex.

The victim, believed to be in his 20s, was lying at the top of the steps to a low-rise building. Police have no suspects.

The gunfire erupted while children played nearby. "We ran when we heard the noise, " said an 11-year-old neighbourhood girl who didn't want to give her name.

"We came back and saw this guy drop and we didn't know if he was dead or just chilling," the girl said.

The group of about six children, aged 11 to 13, was playing on the complex grounds with about 50 other children.

"Nothing's new. It's always happening here, someone's always getting shot or raped," the girl said.

One source said the shooting was likely drug related, but homicide Det. Sgt Terry Wark said it was too early to tell.

"He was a well-dressed male and clean cut," Wark said. "He suffered gun shot wounds and trauma to the head."

The name of the city's 22nd murder victim was not released.