Workplace was scene of second fatality, gunman used to be employed by victim
An auto shop in Milton, Ont. was the location of a second shooting by a gunman who was eventually killed by police.
Sean Petrie, 40, first killed Const. Andrew Hong at a coffee shop in Mississauga, Ont. It is believed he was looking to target a police officer and was at the Tim Hortons for a little over two hours before the shooting.
He then went on to kill the owner, Shakeel Ashraf, of MK Auto Repairs, where Petrie had worked for a short time. Petrie, who died after a confrontation with police in Hamilton later on Monday, had an extensive criminal record and in 2007 was placed on a national flagging system as someone with a high risk to reoffend, according to The Canadian Press.
It is unknown whether he was employed at the time of the shooting. Police believe Petrie was living out of his car at the time of the shootings.
One of two other people injured at the Milton auto shop shooting is on life support and is "not expected to survive". The other remains in a serious condition.
Condolences
Several officials expressed their sadness over the death of Hong, who was a 22-year veteran of the service.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of Toronto Police Service Constable Andrew Hong in a tragic incident today,” said James Ramer, Toronto police chief. “His family will always have the full support of the Toronto Police Service.”
“Like all Ontarians, I’m horrified by today’s senseless violence, including the killing of a Toronto police officer,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “I’m so grateful to law enforcement for bringing this situation to an end. May justice for those killed and injured be swift. May Constable Andrew Hong rest in peace. A husband, father and hero, he and his loved ones are in my prayers,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of many others, are with all those who knew the police officer killed in the line of duty in Mississauga today. We’re also thinking of those who were injured in today’s shootings – we’re wishing you a full recovery.”
“With profound sadness, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the @TorontoPolice Services family on the devastating loss of an officer, a gentleman, an incredible human being and a close personal friend,” said Matthew Pegg, fire chief of Toronto. “On behalf of each and every member of @Toronto_Fire, I extend sincere condolences to Constable Andrew Hong’s wife, children, family and his friends and colleagues. Rest in peace Andrew. You will never be forgotten. #heroesinlife”.
Meanwhile, in April, two off-duty Winnipeg Police officers were attacked. One of them was dosed with bear spray while attempting to arrest three robbery suspects. Before that, a Saskatchewan RCMP officer was shot in the head in the course of searching a property. In November 2021, a peace officer was shot and injured while at work in New Brunswick.
