Crime
6 people shot after 3 suspects opened fire indiscriminately at Piper Arms STC in Scarborough
Toronto police officials say they are at a loss for words after reviewing security footage of a violent mass shooting that took place inside a Scarborough pub late Friday night.
According to authorities, three masked gunmen—one armed with an assault rifle and two wielding handguns—stormed the newly opened Piper Arms Pub, near Scarborough Town Centre, and indiscriminately opened fire on patrons inside.
The establishment had been hosting its grand opening celebration when the attack occurred.
Emergency services began receiving multiple 911 calls just after 10:30 p.m., prompting a rapid police response.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 12 individuals injured inside the pub. Six victims had suffered gunshot wounds, while six others sustained injuries from shattered glass and debris.
Despite the severity of the attack, officials confirmed that none of the injuries are life-threatening.
“By the grace of God, there have been no fatalities,” said Superintendent Paul MacIntyre during a press briefing. Victims range in age from their 20s to mid-50s, he added.
The three suspects fled the scene before police arrived and remain at large. At this time, no suspect descriptions or vehicle details have been released, and the weapons used in the attack have not been recovered.
During a media scrum outside the crime scene, reporters questioned whether the shooting could be linked to ongoing tow truck turf wars or if it was a random act of violence.
“We’re exploring all possibilities, but we have not confirmed any motive at this time,” MacIntyre stated. Investigators are reviewing the backgrounds of the pub’s owners and patrons to determine if any links exist.
According to an Instagram post from Piper Arms Pub, the Scarborough location had officially opened its doors at noon on March 7. The shooting took place approximately ten hours later.
Eyewitness reports indicate that chaos erupted as the gunmen fired into the crowd, forcing many patrons to take cover under chairs or drop to the ground in an effort to protect themselves.
Superintendent MacIntyre described the disturbing footage captured by security cameras, emphasizing the cold and calculated nature of the attack.
“We’ve seen a lot of shootings, a lot of video evidence over the years, but this… these men just looked at the crowd and opened fire,” he said.
The crime scene inside the pub, he continued, was haunting.
“There’s blood all over the floor… blood in the basement. Drinks are still on the tables. Food is still on the tables. People’s purses, shoes—everything is still there,” he said.
Shortly after midnight on Saturday, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow addressed the incident, expressing deep concern.
“I am deeply troubled by this horrific shooting. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” she wrote on social media.
As the investigation continues, authorities say they are dedicating all available resources to identifying and apprehending the suspects.
“We are leaving no stone unturned,” MacIntyre assured.
Police are urging anyone with information or video footage from the scene to come forward by contacting Toronto Police Services or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
This remains an active and developing investigation, with further updates expected as new details emerge.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.
On Saturday morning, March 9, Michelle Brandes, 37, the domestic partner of Steven Gress, 35, surrendered to police.
Brandes is now in custody and has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Corsette’s death.
Meanwhile, Gress, who was already in custody on unrelated charges, has also been formally charged with first-degree murder for his role in the brutal killing.
On March 6, a witness contacted authorities with critical information regarding a possible kidnapping and homicide involving Corsette, who had been reported missing on February 24 to the Gulfport Police Department.
Through the course of their investigation, detectives uncovered the following disturbing timeline:
- February 14 – Miranda Corsette met Steven Gress for the first time after being lured via a social media app. She returned home that night.
- February 15 – Corsette voluntarily returned to Gress’s home, a duplex located at 2708 27th Ave. N.
- February 20 – A dispute occurred inside the home, during which Corsette was brutally beaten.
- Sometime between February 20 and February 24 – Corsette was killed at the residence.
After the murder, investigators determined that Gress transported Corsette’s body to a residence at 12243 Mallory Drive in Largo.
Evidence at the Largo home suggests the victim was dismembered before being taken to Hillsborough County, where Gress disposed of her remains in a dumpster at 2893 14th Ave. S.E. in Ruskin.
Authorities have located the dumpster and are conducting an intensive search for Corsette’s remains.
Arrests and Charges
- Steven Gress, 35
- First-degree murder (Miranda Corsette)
- Kidnapping
- Prior arrests (March 5) for aggravated assault with a harpoon and drug possession
- Michelle Brandes, 37
- First-degree murder (turned herself in on March 9)
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, with additional charges likely as authorities continue gathering evidence.
The St. Petersburg Police Department extends gratitude to multiple local, state, and federal agencies assisting in this complex investigation, including:
- Gulfport Police Department
- Largo Police Department
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- State and federal partners
Further updates will be provided as new details emerge.