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.
Crime
Eric Bechtolt Killed After Shooting at Florence Tower in Omaha, Suspect Billy Dorrall Arrested
Omaha, NE – On Sunday evening, Omaha Police Department officers responded to an active shooting at Florence Tower, located at 5100 Florence Blvd, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the building.
The first reports were received at 6:05 p.m., with at least three separate callers stating they had heard shots fired on the fifth or sixth floor of the apartment complex.
By 6:14 p.m., a fourth caller reported seeing a male suspect walking on the sixth floor carrying two handguns.
Uniform Patrol officers arrived on scene at 6:11 p.m. and began a floor-by-floor search of the building, starting from the fifth floor.
As officers ascended the south stairwell toward the sixth floor, they heard sounds of a disturbance.
Just as they neared the sixth-floor door, it was abruptly opened by a male suspect — later identified as 50-year-old Billy A. Dorrall.
At that moment, one officer discharged their service weapon, striking Dorrall in the left hip.
In response, Dorrall fired back down the stairwell and then retreated into the sixth-floor hallway.
Once back in the hallway, Dorrall reportedly fired multiple rounds, aiming both up and down the corridor, and threatened several residents at gunpoint.
A coordinated arrest team, equipped with a ballistic shield, moved into position while officers in the stairwell maintained containment. As they prepared to enter the hallway, officers heard additional gunfire.
The arrest team entered the hallway, issued loud verbal commands, and Dorrall surrendered without further incident.
He was immediately provided medical treatment by Omaha Fire Department personnel and transported to Nebraska Medicine, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He has since been released into police custody.
During the investigation, officers recovered surveillance footage from building cameras, which was provided by the Omaha Housing Authority.
The footage shows Dorrall behaving erratically and confronting residents before engaging in a verbal altercation with another tenant, identified as 45-year-old Eric M. Bechtolt.
The video shows Dorrall returning to his apartment, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Bechtolt multiple times in the hallway. Responding officers later found Bechtolt deceased outside the stairwell door.
Dorrall was interviewed by detectives and provided a full confession, admitting to the murder of Bechtolt.
He also expressed an intent to kill additional residents and responding officers had he not been stopped.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer issued a statement commending the officers involved:
“I want to commend the officers who responded to this incredibly dangerous situation. Their training, courage, and swift response undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. What unfolded at Florence Tower was tragic, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Bechtolt. Our officers acted heroically under extreme pressure, and I am proud of their commitment to protecting the residents of Omaha.”
The department has released still images from surveillance footage, showing Dorrall armed with two handguns, along with crime scene photographs of the weapons, ammunition, and spent shell casings recovered from the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.