Police and paramedics rushed to Scarborough Town Centre on Thursday, August 21, 2025, after a shooting took place at the mall. CTV
Toronto police are investigating a suspicious death at Scarborough Town Centre after a man in his 20s was found dead in a washroom on Thursday afternoon.
Acting Inspector Baheer Sarvanandan said shoppers discovered the man unconscious inside a family washroom near the lower-level food court. They quickly alerted mall security, who then contacted police.
The call reached emergency services around 1:51 p.m. Paramedics arrived with officers but could not revive the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A firearm was discovered next to his body.
Police Call It a Suspicious Death
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of death. However, police said earlier that the victim appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound. Investigators believe only one shot was fired inside the washroom.
“There was no sound of gunshots or active shooting. This happened in a very confined space that no one knew,” Sarvanandan explained.
Because of the firearm, the case is being treated as a suspicious death. The homicide unit has been notified and is closely monitoring the investigation.
Forensic Experts at the Scene
Police forensic teams examined the washroom and surrounding areas through the afternoon. Investigators are still piecing together what happened.
“At this point in time, we have our forensic experts on scene examining the immediate area and the surrounding area as well. So, based on that, we’ll find out what really transpired,” Sarvanandan said.
When asked about possible suspects, he said there is no clear evidence suggesting anyone else was involved at this stage.
Mall Remains Open
Despite the incident, the mall was not evacuated. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and determined the building was safe for shoppers and staff.
“We take these things very seriously and we know the difference between active shooter to things that are danger to the public. As soon as officers arrived, they found the confined area and the firearm was located and based on preliminary investigation, we deemed it to be safe,” Sarvanandan said.
He added that officers wanted to minimize disruption to businesses and the community. Only the immediate area around the washroom was secured for investigation.
Police Tape Expands Beyond Washroom
A section on the second floor of the mall, which included a sitting area and garbage bin, was also taped off. Police have not confirmed if this area is directly connected to the case.
“Maybe we have some linkage to our deceased person, so that’s the reason that it’s cordoned off,” Sarvanandan explained.
Witnesses Describe the Scene
Several food court workers said they did not hear any gunshots. They only noticed police rushing into the washroom area.
“First they cleared off the washroom, and then they taped off that section, and then more police came in,” one worker recalled.
Police continue their investigation and have not released the victim’s identity.
