Man charged in playground shooting that injured two girls

A 21-year-old man from Markham, Ont., was charged with attempted murder a day after two young sisters were injured in a shooting at a Toronto playground, police said Saturday.

Sheldon Eriya was arrested in nearby Pickering, Ont., on Friday and charged in the brazen daylight shooting that sent the girls, aged five and nine, to hospital Thursday, Toronto police said Saturday.

Eriya is facing two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, discharging a firearm, possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of a crime, police said Saturday.

Police said the public has been “extremely helpful” but declined to comment further on the investigation other than to say they’re still looking for two suspects.

Investigators have said that a man approached an east-end Toronto park where 11 children were playing and allegedly opened fire at another man nearby.

The young sisters were struck and were rushed to hospital with serious gunshot injuries, police said.

The girls’ family released a statement on Saturday evening thanking the community, police and the mayor for their support.

“The response has been overwhelming and we can’t express our gratitude enough,” the family said in the statement released through the Hospital for Sick Children.

“At this time the focus is on the recovery and rehabilitation of the girls,” it said. “We ask that you keep them in your prayers for a speedy recovery.”