Toronto police announce 2nd arrest in birthday party shooting

Toronto police have announced a second arrest in connection with a shooting at a child's birthday party on the weekend that injured four people.

One of the victims, a five-year-old girl, remains in critical condition.

Two boys, aged one and 11, were also hurt in the gunfire, but both have been treated and released from hospital. One of the two alleged shooters, whose arrest was announced on Monday, was injured as well.

James Ramer, interim police chief, told reporters on Tuesday that police have arrested Kevin George, 21, of Toronto.

George has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a loaded firearm, occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited and one count of failure to comply with recognizance.

Ramer said police have determined that two men at the outdoor party got into an argument and began shooting at each other. He alleged that the two men were the "initial shooters" at the party, but that other people also opened fire.

"Our officers are still looking for other people that were involved in the shooting, either as shooters or accessories after the fact. If you were involved in this incident, I suggest that you find a lawyer and turn yourself in," Ramer said.

"We're working very hard to identify everybody who was involved at that party and we will be arresting all of you."

The shooting happened in the area of Byng Avenue and Tandridge Crescent in the city's Rexdale neighbourhood on Saturday. Police were called to the scene, in the city's northwest, shortly before 8 p.m.

On Monday, police said they had arrested Demar Cadogan, 24, of Toronto, in connection with the shooting. Cadogan remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Cadogan has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without holding a licence and registration certificate, possession of a loaded regulated firearm, and possession of a firearm while prohibited.

Ramer said Cadogan has been remanded in custody at the hospital.

Interim chief calls shooting 'particularly despicable'

"Any shooting in a neighbourhood is traumatic. But this one, involving three young children and at a birthday party, is particularly despicable," Ramer said.

"It makes me very angry and I think it makes the entire community angry."

He called the shooting "absolutely absurd."

Ramer said officers have been talking to residents to restore a sense of safety to the neighbourhood.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Coun. Michael Ford, who represents Ward 1, Etobicoke North, thanked police for making arrests within days of the shooting.

"I hope justice will be served for those responsible for these despicable acts of violence," Ford said.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and that anyone with information should contact 23 Division at (416) 808-2300 or Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-8477.