The Toronto Police Service (TPS) has released new details surrounding a violent early morning shooting that occurred in the bustling King Street West and Sudbury Street area on Friday, August 8, 2025, leaving two victims critically injured and sparking a major investigation by the city’s Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force.
The Incident
According to investigators, the events began shortly before 2:42 a.m., when a group of friends was walking through the entertainment district near King Street West.
At that moment, the accused—later identified as 32-year-old Nyim Alexander of Toronto—was allegedly operating a motorcycle at a dangerously high rate of speed. Witnesses reported that he nearly struck members of the group, triggering a heated encounter.
Instead of leaving the scene, Alexander allegedly circled back and began shouting obscenities at the group. The friends attempted to de-escalate the situation by walking away, but authorities say the accused was not finished.
Police allege Alexander strategically waited at the end of a laneway, where he produced a loaded restricted firearm. Without provocation, he opened fire on the unarmed group, discharging multiple rounds before fleeing westbound on Sudbury Street.
The Victims
The hail of bullets struck a man and a woman in their 30s, both of whom sustained life-threatening and life-altering injuries. They were rushed to a nearby trauma center, where emergency teams worked to stabilize them. Police have not released their names out of respect for their privacy but confirmed both remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Friends of the victims described them as “innocent bystanders caught in a senseless act of violence.” Their recovery is expected to be long and difficult, with the shooting having devastating consequences for their lives.
The Investigation
Given the brazen nature of the attack, the case was immediately handed over to the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, a specialized unit dedicated to tackling firearms-related violence in the city.
Detectives gathered surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and residential complexes, canvassed for witnesses, and analyzed forensic evidence recovered at the scene. After four days of intensive work, investigators identified Alexander as the prime suspect.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, officers successfully located and arrested him without further incident. Authorities say he was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest, raising further concerns about his disregard for public safety.
Charges
Alexander now faces a lengthy list of charges, including:
Four counts of Attempted Murder
Two counts of Aggravated Assault
Unauthorized Possession of a Loaded Restricted Firearm
Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm
Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
Police confirmed that Alexander had previously been subject to firearm-related prohibition orders, yet still managed to illegally obtain and carry a weapon, underscoring ongoing concerns about the circulation of restricted firearms within Toronto.
He appeared in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West on August 12, at 10 a.m., room 301, where prosecutors outlined the severity of the allegations against him.
Community Response
The shooting has rattled residents and business owners in the King West neighborhood, an area known for its nightlife, dining, and residential growth. Several locals expressed shock that such an unprovoked act of violence could unfold in a busy downtown district.
“This could have been any of us,” one resident said. “People go out here to have fun, not to worry about dodging bullets.”
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw reiterated the department’s commitment to combating gun violence:
“This incident highlights the reckless and tragic consequences of illegal firearms in our city. We are thankful for the swift work of our officers and the Gun and Gang Task Force in bringing the suspect into custody.”
Ongoing Call for Information
While an arrest has been made, investigators continue to appeal to the public for additional information. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, captured video footage, or has knowledge about the events leading up to the shooting is urged to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-2510.
