Teen shot in Scarborough high school parking lot

A 16-year-old boy was shot in a Scarborough high school parking lot Monday morning, police say, prompting lockdowns at sixnearby schools in the moments that followed.

Three of those schools are now in "hold and secure" mode, which means that while outside doors to buildings are locked, "school life continues as normal inside the school," according to the Toronto District School Board's (TDSB) website.

Police responded to a shooting around 11:50 a.m. near Midland Avenueand Lockie Avenue.

The boy was grazed in the head by gunfire, police said. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The shooting happened in the parking lot at Agincourt Collegiate Institute. Students attending the institute can be picked up by parents at Agincourt Recreation Centre, located at 31 Glen Watford Dr., police said.

Neighbouring schools were put into lockdown"out of an abundance of caution," police said in an email.

Police said the shooting appears to be targeted, and there are no concerns for public safety.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Monday afternoon, the TDSB said a lockdown at Agincourt Collegiate Institute will "gradually be lifted" starting 3 p.m.

Police released a suspect description in a post on X. Police described himas a boybetween 17 and 18 years old, about 6 feet tall with a slim build,wearing a blue Nike sweater with multiple zippers and dark pants.

In a letter sent to parents Monday afternoon,Agincourt Collegiate Institute principal David Fewson said the school will be open Tuesday. Additional school boardstaff will be on site "as a precaution," the letter said.

Social workers from the board will also be present to support students and staff, Fewson said.

"We are very thankful that the student was not seriously injured," he said. "Our thoughts are with the victim and their family during this time."

In a statement Monday, Coun. Jamaal Myers, who represents Scarborough North where the school is located, said he was deeply saddened about the shooting.

"Senseless acts of violence are shocking and devastating for all parents, families and school staff who rightfully expect their children, students and loved ones to be safe at school," Myers said.

Grade 11 student Ryan Zhang, who attends the institute, said the incident made him feel scared and "a little unsafe."

"I didn't know if it was real or not, or if it was a prank," Zhang said.

Itteza Ahmed's daughter attends the institute. After hearing about the shooting, he said he came to the school as fast as he could.

"[It was] a very surprising call for me," he said.

Ahmed said he was saddened and concerned to hear someone had been shot.

"School should be free from all dangers," he said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact police.

The following schools were forced to lock down their facilities following the shooting, Toronto police said:

• Henry Kelsey Senior Public School.
• Sir Alexander Mackenzie Senior Public School.
• Chartland Junior Public School.
• North Agincourt Junior Public School.
• St. Bartholomew Catholic School.
• Iroquois Junior Public School.