Toronto police are searching for a man seen carrying a weapon in North York

The Toronto Police have requested the public's help in identifying a man wanted in connection with a firearm investigation, after he was seen in the Willowdale area of North York pulling a weapon from inside his jacket.

The investigation began after police received a report of a suspicious incident near the intersection of Young and Empress Streets at 1:08 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026.

According to preliminary information received by the police, the man was loitering in the area before being seen reaching for a firearm hidden inside his jacket.

He then placed the weapon inside a black backpack and left the scene on a bicycle before police arrived or were able to identify him.

The police did not report any gunfire or injuries, nor did they mention that the man threatened anyone with the weapon during the incident.

Photo of the suspect

The police released a photo of the man in an attempt to identify him, estimating his age to be between 25 and 40 years old.

He was wearing all black clothing, and a black mask covering his head and face, bearing a white Nike logo above the left eye.

He was also carrying a black backpack, which is believed to be the bag in which he placed the weapon before leaving the area.

The police did not provide additional information about the man's height, build, or the type of bicycle he used, nor did they clarify whether the weapon was real or loaded with ammunition.

Warning not to approach him

The Toronto Police warned members of the public not to approach the man or attempt to stop him if seen, urging immediate contact with emergency number 911.

The warning comes due to suspicion that he is in possession of a firearm, and because his current location or whether he still carries the weapon is unknown.

The police asked local residents and business owners to review surveillance camera footage taken on Friday afternoon, especially around Young and Empress Streets and the routes accessible by bicycle.

Investigation ongoing

Division 32 of the Toronto Police is handling the investigation, and no arrests or criminal charges have been announced so far.

The reasons for the man's presence in the area or the motive behind carrying and displaying the weapon have not been disclosed, and there is no public information indicating a connection to another incident.

The police are seeking information that may help identify the man, locate him, or trace the route he took after leaving the area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 416-808-3200, or submit an anonymous tip to the Crime Stoppers program at 416-222-8477.

Information related to the man remains part of an ongoing investigation at this stage, and no charges have been proven against him in court.

The wording strictly adheres to the details announced by the Toronto Police, without assuming the occurrence of a threat, gunfire, or any other unreported crime.