Accused highway shooter charged with attempted murder in Mississauga incidents

A man accused of shooting at numerous vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga last month in addition to carjacking and other offences in Toronto faces an additional rash of charges laid this week, police say.

Troy Ledrew, 29, of no fixed address, was charged on Monday by Ontario Provincial Police with a list of offences that includes four counts of attempted murder and six counts of robbery using a firearm in connection with the Nov. 26 early morning shootings and a carjacking on Highway 401 near Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga.

Police said the series of incidents began around 5 a.m. on Highway 401 at Renforth Drive and multiple reports quickly started coming in to OPP that a gunman was shooting at cars as they travelled the busy highway.

A man was then reported to have stolen a vehicle from a passing motorist at gunpoint before fleeing the area, OPP said in a news release on Tuesday.

No injuries were reported at that time.

“The OPP coordinated with Toronto Police and Peel Regional Police to effectively manage the multiple scenes and numerous witnesses and victims involved,” provincial police said.

The man is believed to have then driven into Toronto, where more shootings and carjackings were subsequently reported, including a shooting in which one victim was seriously injured.

A suspect was identified by police a short time later and a photo was distributed via the media to the public, investigators said.

Ledrew was arrested the following day, Nov. 27, by Toronto Police, who subsequently laid numerous charges against the man including two counts of attempted murder.

Charges laid against Ledrew this week by OPP include:

• attempt to commit murder using a restricted firearm (four counts)
• robbery using a firearm (six counts)
• possess firearm contrary to prohibition order (three counts)
• discharge a restricted or prohibited firearm with intent
• reckless discharge of a firearm
• point firearm
• possession of a loaded firearm
• dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Brampton court on Tuesday.

OPP said they received numerous tips from the public, which included dashcam and video footage.

They added the investigation is ongoing and that anyone with information about the incidents is urged to call police at 1-888-310-1122 (OPP), 1-416-808-2222 (Toronto Police) or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.