Durham Regional Police are investigating an overnight shooting in Ajax after gunfire damaged a home in a residential neighbourhood and at least one suspect remained outstanding.
The Ajax shooting was reported around midnight on Sunday, Aug. 23, in the area of Dooley Crescent and Biggs Drive, near Rossland Road East.
Police said officers were called after reports of gunshots in the area. When they arrived, they found several spent shell casings and visible damage to the front of a residence.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Police searching for suspect
Investigators say at least one suspect remains outstanding as they work to determine what happened and identify those responsible.
Police have not released a description of the suspect or a suspect vehicle. They have also not publicly identified a motive for the shooting or said whether the damaged home was specifically targeted.
Because the investigation remains active, residents are being asked to avoid speculation and provide any potentially useful evidence directly to police.
Investigators are particularly interested in cellphone video, home surveillance footage and dash-camera recordings from the area around the time shots were fired.
Anyone who was near Dooley Crescent, Biggs Drive or surrounding streets around midnight may be able to assist even if they did not personally witness the gunfire. Video recorded before or after the shots could also help investigators establish how people or vehicles entered and left the neighbourhood.
No injuries reported
Despite the damage to the residence, police said no injuries were reported.
The Ajax shooting occurred in a residential area north of Rossland Road East. Police have not said how many shots were fired, how many people may have been involved or whether anyone was inside the affected residence when the gunfire occurred.
No arrests had been announced as of Tuesday morning.
The investigation is being handled by the Durham Regional Police West Crime Team. Police have not announced charges and have not identified any person of interest publicly.
Police continue gun-crime investigations
The incident comes as Durham police continue investigations targeting illegal firearms and gun-related crime across the region.
In July, the DRPS Guns and Gangs Unit announced four arrests following a separate firearm-trafficking investigation in Ajax. Police said officers seized two handguns, overcapacity magazines, ammunition and a replica firearm during that unrelated investigation.
Police have not suggested there is any connection between that case and the shooting on Dooley Crescent.
The new Ajax shooting is also separate from other recent shootings reported elsewhere in Durham Region this summer. Each investigation involves its own circumstances, and police have not announced any connection between the incidents.
Witnesses and residents asked for footage
Police are asking anyone with information about the Ajax incident to contact Det. Obront of the West Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1905.
Residents with security cameras are encouraged to review footage from around the time of the shooting for vehicles, people or other activity that may assist investigators.
Dash-camera recordings from drivers passing through the neighbourhood may also be useful.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
As the investigation continues, police have not released additional details about the outstanding suspect, including a description or possible direction of travel.
The Ajax shooting remains under investigation, and no injuries have been reported.
