A fatal shooting outside Burlington Centre in Burlington, Ontario, has become the city’s first homicide of the year after a 24-year-old man was shot in the shopping mall’s parking lot late Monday night. Halton Regional Police have launched a homicide investigation and are searching for two suspects who reportedly fled the area in a white SUV.
Officers were called to Burlington Centre shortly after 10 p.m. following reports of gunfire. When emergency crews arrived, they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was transported to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Victim Identified by Investigators
Police have identified the victim as Omer Niaz Muhammad, a 24-year-old Burlington resident. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, although they have not disclosed what may have led to the attack or whether the victim knew the suspects.
According to investigators, two people left the scene immediately after the shooting in a white SUV. Detectives have not released physical descriptions of the suspects and continue to gather evidence from surveillance cameras and witness accounts.
Police Continue Search for Two Suspects
Halton Regional Police spokesperson Const. Jeff Dillon said the shooting happened outdoors in the Burlington Centre parking lot. Investigators have stated there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public, but officers remain focused on identifying and locating those responsible.
Crime scene investigators spent hours examining the parking lot, collecting forensic evidence and documenting the area. Police vehicles remained at the shopping centre into Tuesday while detectives continued interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
First Burlington Homicide of the Year
Authorities confirmed Muhammad’s death is Burlington’s first homicide of the year. Cases involving shootings in busy commercial areas often require investigators to review video from multiple businesses, identify vehicles entering and leaving the area, and collect statements from shoppers and employees who may have witnessed part of the incident.
Although the investigation temporarily affected part of the Burlington Centre parking lot, police have not announced any broader public safety concerns connected to the incident.
Investigation Remains Active
Investigators are asking anyone who was near Burlington Centre around the time of the shooting to contact police if they noticed suspicious activity or recorded video through a dashcam or nearby security camera. Even footage that appears unrelated could help establish the movements of the suspects before or after the shooting.
Anyone with information can contact Halton Regional Police or Crime Stoppers. Official updates on the investigation are available through the Halton Regional Police.
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