Crossbow incident leaves three dead, one injured in Toronto

TORONTO — Three people suffering from what appeared to be wounds from a crossbow died in Toronto on Thursday in an incident that rocked an otherwise quiet neighbourhood in the city’s east end.

Police said an injured fourth person – a 35-year-old man – was taken into custody, but few other details of what happened were released.

The victims were found in the driveway of a bungalow by officers who responded to a stabbing report in the early afternoon.

“Indications were that (a) person had been stabbed – their injuries were fairly serious,” Const. David Hopkinson said. “When officers arrived, they found that person and two others suffering from injuries from what we believe to be a crossbow bolt.”

Three people – two men and a woman – were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. A crossbow was found nearby on the floor.

Police, who immediately swarmed the area, were not looking for any suspects, Hopkinson said.

About four hours after the incident, police said there was a link between the deaths and a suspicious package found in downtown Toronto. They said the downtown scene, which was near a building housing a daycare, was declared safe by 5 p.m.

Dale Lounsbury, who sells crossbows at a sporting goods store in Waterloo, Ont., and owns one himself, said they can be dangerous due to their power and accuracy. But they are not suited to firing multiple shots in quick succession, he said.

“Crossbows are not a rapid-fire instrument at all,” Lounsbury said. “I can probably fire two shots a minute, maybe three.”

Unlike guns, buying a crossbow does not require a licence.