TORONTO — A 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot in Toronto’s Weston neighborhood on Saturday night has been identified as Jahkai Jack. The shooting happened around 10 p.m. near Emmett Avenue and Jane Street. When officers arrived, they found Jack suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to hospital, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The tragic loss has sparked an outcry across the city, not only over the violence but also the emergency response. At a press conference on Tuesday, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow addressed growing concerns about delays in the 911 system. Chow revealed that the person who called for help had to wait six minutes and 42 seconds before speaking to an operator — a delay she called “not acceptable.”
According to the mayor, the 911 call was placed at 10:01 p.m., and paramedics arrived on the scene by 10:11 p.m. While the paramedics met the standard response time, the long wait to connect with a 911 operator has alarmed city officials. Deputy Chief Melanie Jordison of Toronto Paramedic Services confirmed that the call center delay is now under investigation to determine what went wrong.
In response to the issue, Mayor Chow announced a new plan to improve emergency services. The proposal includes hiring 362 new paramedic staff by the end of 2028, with 331 assigned to frontline roles. Additionally, the city is looking to bring in 90 new 911 call operators to help reduce call wait times and ensure faster emergency support.
Jahkai Jack’s death is Toronto’s 14th homicide of the year. Police say the shooter fled the scene and has not yet been identified. No description of the suspect has been released so far, and investigators are still gathering evidence and speaking to potential witnesses. The Toronto Police Service is urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the community is mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon. City officials are pledging to improve public safety and emergency services, while families and residents demand answers. Anyone with tips can contact police or leave anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS or online.