Police search for man who allegedly fired at vehicles on Highway 401, then stole car

Police are searching for man who they say opened fire at several vehicles and stole a car on Highway 401 in Mississauga early Tuesday.

In a news release on Tuesday, Ontario Provincial Police said the man is considered armed and dangerous and is not yet in custody.

Sgt. Ted Dongelmans, of the OPP's highway safety division, said police received several 911 calls shortly after 5 a.m. that reported that a male was seen on foot on the highway shooting at vehicles in the eastbound lanes near Dixie Road. 

Dongelmans said the man had been in a collision before he began shooting and tried to stop vehicles on the highway. The man then stole a vehicle from a passing driver in the area of Highway 401 and Highway 410 and fled the area, he said.

"There was a collision at the start of this incident which resulted in that male being out on the on the highway," he said.

The stolen vehicle was found a short time later abandoned on Fasken Drive in Etobicoke near Highway 427, the OPP said in the release. Its front passenger wheel was blown off and a bullet hole had pierced its windshield.

No one was seriousky injured in the shooting or vehicle theft, police said.

Police describe the man as 25 to 35 years old and about five foot 10, with long braided hair that reaches the middle of his back. He was wearing blue jeans, a blue and grey t-shirt and white and black running shoes. Police said he also had a satchel on his shoulder.

"The public is advised to not approach the individual and call 911 immediately if seen. Police encourage everyone to remain vigilant," police said in the release.

Police said the man was last seen at Highway 427 and Fasken Drive in Etobicoke.

Driver 'shocked' by incident

Michael Nunn was driving to work at the time and said he saw the man walking on live lanes of traffic on the highway, wielding a gun. 

"I didn't hesitate. I put it into a third gear and pulled away. And then by that time, as I looked back in the rearview mirror, I could see a flash and then all I can hear is a pop.

"My assumption was that he pulled the gun, pulled the trigger, either tried to shoot somebody to hijack the car or intimidate somebody to get them to stop the car so he can take the car and drive off," Nunn said.

Nunn said he called police.

"I couldn't believe that in this location, in this province, this blatant action could just be taken... I mean, I was shocked, I thought it was just a joke, but when I heard the pop, it was very surreal."

Police closed all Highway 401 eastbound collector lanes at Dixie Road, the Highway 410 southbound to Highway 401 eastbound ramp and the Highway 403 eastbound to Highway 401 eastbound ramps until shortly after 3 p.m. All roads and ramps have since reopened.

The OPP's criminal investigation branch is investigating the incident. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information or dashboard camera footage is urged to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.