Toronto police release photo of suspect wanted in West Queen West gun battle

Police have released a photo of a man they say is wanted in connection with a gun battle in Toronto's West Queen West neighbourhood. (Toronto Police Service handout)

Toronto police have released a photo of a suspect they say is wanted in connection with a gun battle in a busy Toronto neighbourhood last year that left an unmarked police cruiser and nearby buildings riddled with bullets.

An exchange of gunfire erupted outside a recording studio in the area of Queen Street West and Sudbury Street at around 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 11.

According to police, more than 100 shots were fired during the gunfight, but no injuries were reported.

Police previously said three occupants of a stolen vehicle pulled into a grocery store parking lot in the area that night, exited the car, and began firing at a group who were gathering at a recording studio for a birthday party. The incident escalated to an exchange of gunfire between two rival gangs, police said.

At one point, police said, the suspects in the stolen vehicle took cover behind an unmarked police cruiser with two plainclothes officers inside. The officers, who were in the area for a bail compliance check, were narrowly missed by bullets.

One of the three suspects in the stolen car was apprehended by officers but the other two fled the area, investigators said.

At a news conference earlier this month, police said 105 charges have been laid in the investigation, dubbed Project Poppie.

Charges were stayed against five of the eight suspects who were initially charged, but police said last week that 14 additional suspects were taken into custody in connection with the case. Nine others who police believe are linked to the incident were also previously identified, but remain outstanding.

On Wednesday, Toronto police confirmed they are searching for another man who they allege was seen with a firearm in the area of Queen Street West and Gladstone Avenue on the night of the gun battle.

“The suspect is described as having shoulder length braids and goatee,” police said in a news release issued Wednesday.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact police at 416-808-2510 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.