Toronto police are urgently seeking the public’s help in locating 14-year-old Valentino Bethel, who has been identified as the suspect in a Scarborough shooting that left two men hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities say the shooting took place on Sunday, August 31, just before 5:15 p.m., near Tansley Avenue and Paloma Place, west of Danforth Road.
Responding officers arrived on scene after reports of an armed individual in the neighborhood and discovered two men in their 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.
Normally, suspects under the age of 18 are protected from being identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. However, due to the seriousness of the case, investigators successfully obtained judicial authorization to release Bethel’s name and photo to the public. The authorization is set to expire on September 9 at 1:00 p.m., unless extended by the courts.
Police have laid 11 charges against Bethel, including:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Two counts of discharging a firearm with intent
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Two counts of failure to comply with a release order
- Additional firearm-related and breach charges
Bethel is described as approximately 6’1” tall, weighing 150 pounds, with a slim build. Authorities warn that he is considered armed and dangerous, and members of the public are strongly advised not to approach him if seen. Instead, police urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to immediately call 911.
The incident has sparked alarm across Scarborough, particularly given the young age of the suspect and the level of violence involved. Community leaders and residents are expressing growing concern over youth involvement in gun violence, which has been a troubling trend in the city in recent years.
Toronto Police are asking anyone with tips to contact investigators directly or leave anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) .
As the manhunt continues, police stress that public safety is their top priority. With the judicial authorization set to expire in less than a week, they are urging swift cooperation from the public to help locate Valentino Bethel before further harm is done.
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