Canada-wide warrant issued for 17-year-old wanted in connection with Pickering casino murder

Editors Note:  As of Nov. 11, a judge has issued an advisory, mandating the removal of all identifiable information including physical description, name and photo, pertaining to the teenager in this article.

Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a 17-year-old boy wanted in connection with the murder of a security guard at Pickering Casino Resort.

Michael Ferdinand, 34, was gunned down inside the casino after a group was turned away from the casino around 5 a.m. on Oct. 9.

The group returned and opened fire into the casino striking Ferdinand. They fled and police found Ferdinand injured. Paramedics rushed him to a Toronto trauma centre where he succumbed to his wounds.

“He was doing his job and ensuring the safety of all patrons of the casino. He was senselessly shot and killed,” said Durham Regional Police Detective Sergeant Brad Horner at a press conference today (Nov. 8) in Whitby.

The motive of the attack is still under investigation, said Horner.

After receiving permission from a judge, Durham Police are releasing information about the 17-year-old suspect wanted in connection with the murder.

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, normally no identifying information can be released on people suspected of a crime under the age of 18 years old.

This information must be deleted on Nov. 11, Horner said.

The teen has no fixed address but has ties to the Driftwood area (Jane Street and Finch Avenue West) of Toronto.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the 17-year-old but warn people not to approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911 if you see him.

Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5402.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.