MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Two men were left in serious condition following a brazen drive-by shooting in a quiet residential neighborhood here early Saturday morning, police said.
According to Peel Regional Police, officers responded to reports of gunfire at 7230 Darcel Avenue, near Goreway Drive in the Westwood area, just after 1 a.m. The incident unfolded in the predawn hours, catching residents off guard in what is typically a peaceful part of the city.
Investigators described the attack as a targeted drive-by, with the suspect or suspects fleeing the scene in a vehicle that witnesses reported as possibly a dark sedan. "The victims were outside when the shooting occurred," a police spokesperson told reporters at the scene, though further details on the circumstances leading up to the event remain under investigation.
One of the victims, a man in his 20s, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, while the second, also in his 20s, stabilized after receiving immediate medical attention. Authorities have not released the names of the injured men, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of the probe.
The shooting marks the latest in a string of gun-related incidents in the Greater Toronto Area, where violent crime has seen a noticeable uptick in recent years. According to Statistics Canada data from 2025, firearm discharges in Peel Region rose by 15 percent compared to the previous year, prompting local officials to call for enhanced community policing efforts.
Neighbors in the Westwood neighborhood expressed shock and fear in the hours following the shooting. "I heard what sounded like fireworks at first, then the sirens," said Maria Gonzalez, a longtime resident who lives two doors down from the crime scene. "It's scary to think this could happen here— we've always felt safe."
Police cordoned off Darcel Avenue for several hours, with forensic teams combing the area for shell casings and other evidence. By mid-morning, the street had reopened, but yellow tape fluttered in the winter breeze as detectives continued their canvass of the neighborhood.
Officials emphasized that the public is not believed to be in further danger, but urged anyone with information to come forward. "This was an isolated incident, but we treat every shooting with the utmost seriousness," Const. Sarah Jenkins said in a prepared statement. "Tips from the community are crucial to solving these cases quickly."
The Westwood area, home to a diverse mix of families and immigrants, has long been known for its community-oriented vibe, with local parks and schools serving as hubs for after-school programs. However, like many suburbs surrounding Toronto, it has not been immune to spillover from urban gang activity.
Peel police have linked similar drive-by shootings in the past to disputes over narcotics or territorial rivalries among youth groups. In a 2024 report, the force highlighted how social media has exacerbated these conflicts, allowing feuds to escalate rapidly across city lines.
While no arrests have been made in this case, authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. The possible dark sedan description has been circulated to regional forces, including Toronto and Brampton police, in hopes of a quick lead.
Community leaders were quick to respond, with the Westwood Residents' Association issuing a statement condemning the violence. "Our neighborhood stands united against this senseless act," association president Raj Patel said. "We call on all levels of government to invest in youth programs that prevent these tragedies before they start."
As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about the motives behind the shooting. Police have not confirmed whether the victims have ties to criminal elements, only stating that interviews are ongoing. "We don't speculate on connections at this stage," Jenkins added, stressing the need for verified information.
The incident comes amid broader discussions on gun control in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has pushed for stricter laws following a series of high-profile shootings. Critics, including some conservative lawmakers, argue that enforcement and border security need more attention than new legislation.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the two men and bringing those responsible to justice. Peel Regional Police's hotline for anonymous tips, 1-800-222-TIPS, has already seen a flurry of calls, according to officials. As Mississauga grapples with this latest outbreak of violence, residents hope for swift resolution and a return to the calm that defines their community.
In the broader context of Ontario's suburbs, such events underscore the challenges of balancing growth with safety. With Mississauga's population surpassing 800,000, city council has allocated additional funds for 2026 to bolster patrol units in high-risk areas like Westwood.
Experts in criminology point to socioeconomic factors as underlying contributors. "Drive-by shootings often stem from cycles of retaliation in underserved communities," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a professor at the University of Toronto who studies urban violence. "Addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity is key to breaking these patterns."
While the full story of Saturday's shooting is still emerging, one thing is clear: it has rattled the foundations of a neighborhood that prides itself on tranquility. As detectives piece together the evidence, the hope is that justice will prevail and prevent future heartache.