One dead, six hurt in Toronto gunfight

TORONTO, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A 15-year-old girl was killed and six other people injured when gunmen opened fire in Toronto's busy post-Christmas shopping district.

A 41-year-old off-duty police officer was among the victims of the shooting, which happened about 5:19 p.m. Monday, the Toronto Star reported.

Soon after, an angry Police Chief Bill Blair told reporters two males, a youth and 20-year-old had been arrested several miles away at a subway station, and at least one weapon had been seized.

"It appears there was a dispute between individuals on the street," Blair said. "They took out guns and began shooting. It is infuriating that anyone would use firearms in a public place injuring innocent people."

Tuesday, Detective Sgt. Savas Kyriacou told a news conference that as many as 15 young people were involved in a wild shooting spree.

Police said one of the other victims was in critical condition, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

There have been 78 killings in Toronto this year, including a record 52 involving firearms, the report said.