Toronto police said 23 people were arrested after a brazen “shootout” outside a recording studio Monday night.

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told reporters Tuesday that officers were in the area of ​​Queen and Sudbury streets, just east of Dufferin Street, around 11:20 p.m. when shots rang out.

She said officers were there for an unrelated investigation when an allegedly stolen vehicle pulled up in front of the business and three people got out.

“They opened fire on a recording studio and people gathered outside,” Pogue said. “This brazen act of violence escalated into an exchange of gunfire between two groups during which one of our unmarked police vehicles, with officers on board, was struck by bullets.”

Pogue said officers were able to corral the vehicle as the suspects attempted to flee.

One person was arrested following a brief foot chase, while two others managed to escape and are still being sought by police, Pogue said.

During another search of the area, Pogue said several firearms “likely abandoned by the fleeing suspects” were found.

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Numerous people were arrested at the recording studio and several firearms were seized inside – including on the roof and hidden in nearby trash cans – she added.

She said 23 people were arrested and 16 firearms, including handguns and assault rifles, were seized.

Pogue called it a “very dangerous incident.”

“I want to emphasize how remarkable it is that in such a volatile and dangerous situation, no one was injured,” Pogue said.

“No bystanders, neither the individuals involved nor our officers.”

One person was taken to hospital as a precaution but was not seriously injured, police said.

It is unclear what led to the exchange of gunfire. But Pogue said “this has all the signs of a gang-related conflict, but it’s still under investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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