Around 1 am  on April 16, a group of about 10 to 15 people were celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and gathered in a parking lot after finishing their prayers in the area of ​​Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue East.
A vehicle then drove by and a passenger or passengers opened fire on the group, initial police reports said.
Four male victims were found at the scene with gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.  A fifth victim, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, made his way to the hospital.
The hate crime unit was initially involved in the investigation, but a week after the incident, police said they were “confident” the men were not targeted because of their Muslim faith.
Investigators also said there was no evidence to suggest the victims did anything to instigate the incident or were involved in gang activity.
The suspect vehicle, described as a dark blue, four-door sedan with dark rims, was last seen heading north along Markham Street shortly after the shooting.
After an extensive investigation police said, a suspect has been charged nearly five months after the shooting.
On Sept. 5, police said they located and arrested Toronto resident Muhammad Ashan Naseer, 20, in the area of ​​Plantain Way and Flycatcher Avenue.
At the time of his arrest, police said Naseer had a loaded firearm in his belt.
Naseer faces multiple charges, including five counts of attempted murder and discharging a firearm with intent to injure, endanger life or prevent apprehension.
Nasser is known to police, Watts said.
“This individual, we allege, committed a very, very dangerous and wanton disregard for human life and struck five people with six bullets,” Toronto Police Superintendent Steven Watts said at a Sept. 7 news conference.
Police now believe there were no other suspects in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Watts said he believes the shooting was “absolutely targeted,” but said he would not comment on the motive behind the shooting.
“I think at this point we don’t have any evidence to suggest that this was a hate-motivated thing to these particular individuals.  This person (Nasser) is from this community, he lives in this community,” Watts said.
Naseer is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing.  His next court appearance is scheduled for September 13.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact police at 416-808-2510 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).