Police search for motive in Scarborough pub mass shooting as councillor suggests link to tow truck violence

As police continue to search for suspects and a motive in a mass shooting at a Scarborough pub Friday, one local councillor says he's received calls that suggest it may be connected to violence in the towing industry.

On Friday evening, three armed men walked into Piper Arms Pub near the Scarborough Town Centre mall and opened fire on the crowd inside, injuring 12, police say. No one was killed, but the three suspects fled and remain at large.

A motive has yet to be determined and police say they are following all leads.

But Coun. Michael Thompson, who represents the Scarborough ward where the shooting took place, says he's had multiple conversations over the past three days with "individuals connected with the industry," suggesting the shooting was part of a towing turf war.

"I had a meeting this morning with some folks who have indicated to me that they believe … this is connected to the ongoing tow truck issues that we've been seeing in the city," Thompson said in an interview. 

Thompson did not provide more details about the identity of his sources or where they got their information.

A connection between the shooting and violence in the towing industry has not been confirmed by CBC Toronto or police.

"What they're concerned about is that we can see a quick response to what has taken place here on Friday night," Thompson said. 

"I don't have all the information, but we're looking to explore what's actually going on, because this is my community, and we're concerned about the safety of the community," he said. 

CBC Toronto has left multiple messages with Piper Arms Pub, attempting to reach the owners for comment, but has yet to hear back.

Asked Saturday about a possible connection between the shooting and violence in the towing industry, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw declined to speculate.

"We will go where the evidence leads us," he told reporters.

Premier says tow truck violence is out of control

Ontario Premier Doug Ford decried the rise in violence related to Toronto's tow-truck industry Monday. Answering questions at an unrelated news conference, Ford said innocent lives were being hurt, though he did not mention Friday's shooting.

"You're putting the community in danger," Ford said, addressing people in the towing industry participating in criminal activity. "I will spend anything I can to put an end to this."

Toronto police launched a new task force this year to specifically address crime and violence in the tow truck industry. 

In 2024, there were 63 firearm discharge and shooting incidents linked to tow truck-related disputes, accounting for almost 13 per cent of all shootings in Toronto, police data shows.

Police continue to ask anyone with information about Friday's shooting to come forward.