A man armed with a handgun fired at several vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga early Tuesday, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
In a news release on Tuesday, the OPP says the man is considered armed and dangerous and is not yet in custody.
Police said they received several 911 calls shortly after 5 a.m. that reported that a male was seen shooting at passing vehicles on the highway near Dixie Road. The male then stole a vehicle from a driver in the area of Highway 401 and Highway 410 and fled the area, police said.
The stolen vehicle was found a short time later abandoned on Fasken Drive in Etobicoke, the OPP said.
No one was serious injured in the shooting or vehicle theft, police said.
Police describe the man as 25 to 35 years old, about five foot 10, with long braided hair that reaches the middle of his back. He was wearing jeans, a blue and grey t-shirt and white and black running shoes. He also had a satchel on his shoulder.
“The public is advised to not approach the individual and call 911 immediately if seen. Police encourage everyone to remain vigilant,” police said in the release.
Police said the man was last seen at Highway 427 and Fasken Drive in Etobicoke.
Police closed all Highway 401 eastbound collector lanes at Dixie Road, the Highway 410 southbound to Highway 401 eastbound ramp and the Highway 403 eastbound to Highway 401 eastbound ramps until shortly after 3 p.m. All roads and ramps have since reopened.
The OPP’s criminal investigation branch is investigating the incident. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information or dashboard camera footage is urged to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
