Police are searching for suspects and the driver of a white sedan following a shooting north of Brampton this week that could be linked to ongoing extortion cases.
The incident happened around 4:20 a.m. at a commercial plaza on Riddell Road near the Caledon and East Garafraxa Townline, the OPP says.
No injuries were reported, but investigators believe a white sedan, possibly a Honda, was involved.
Police believe the shooting was a targeted incident, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
“Those who live locally or were in the area around the time of the incident are asked to check their surveillance, doorbell and dashcam footage for anything that could assist the investigation,” the OPP says.
Recent years have seen an increase in extortion threats against members of the South Asian community in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia, with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown saying there’s a risk of the crime wave spreading from “hotspots” like Brampton “to every city in Canada.”
And while most incidents have been reported in major population areas, dozens of extortion cases are under investigation in rural Ontario.
READ MORE: Violent extortion threats go beyond Brampton to small Ontario towns
The Caledon and Dufferin OPP detachments said last month they have more than 50 open extortion investigations, and there have been another 10 reported incidents in the Norfolk, Brant, Middlesex and Wellington areas.
The OPP is urging the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to police.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.
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