Toronto Man Charged in Theatre Shooting and London Pot Shop Incident

A Toronto man, Amare Walters-Lyte, is facing multiple charges related to a shooting incident at a Scarborough movie theatre and another at a cannabis dispensary in London. The 18-year-old is implicated in two separate firearm-related cases, with the most recent incident occurring on November 24, 2024, when he allegedly opened fire at an unsanctioned cannabis shop in downtown London.

Court records indicate that Walters-Lyte was released on bail this week after promising to pay just one cent, while his three sureties committed a total of $35,000 to ensure compliance with his release conditions. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from local political representatives, particularly Andrew Lawton, the Conservative MP for Elgin-St. Thomas-London South. Lawton has been vocal about the need for bail reform, condemning the court’s choice to release Walters-Lyte as “disgusting, but not surprising.” He expressed concern about public confidence in the justice system, stating, “This has become the norm now when people are being arrested and released… not just for petty crime but for serious violent offences.”

Walters-Lyte was among three men arrested on December 22, 2024, and charged with nine offences, including carrying a concealed weapon and possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. After his release two days later, he was arrested again on January 21, 2025, in connection with the theatre shooting at Woodside Cinema, where he faces charges including discharging a firearm with intent to injure. The cinema was targeted on November 9, 2024, with gunfire striking the venue while patrons were present but fortunately causing no injuries.

Following this second arrest, Walters-Lyte was granted bail on January 28, 2025, under conditions that included house arrest and restrictions on internet use without supervision. Despite these measures, he found himself back in custody within six months, following an incident on July 10, 2025, linked to the London dispensary shooting. Once again, he was released on bail on Monday, with strict conditions requiring him to live with a surety in Toronto and prohibiting any possession of firearms.

Lawton has criticized the existing bail system, which he describes as a “revolving-door” process that undermines public safety. He has called for amendments to Canada’s criminal code, arguing that the current framework allows offenders to be released too easily. “There’s no longer deterrence because people know there are no consequences for their actions,” he stated, alluding to conversations with front-line police officers who have reported similar sentiments from individuals engaged in criminal activities.

A spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service declined to provide further details regarding the charges against Walters-Lyte, citing ongoing court cases. The Woodside Cinema, located at 1571 Sandhurst, has been a focal point for violence in the area. It was previously evacuated on November 1, 2024, after two suspects ignited a package inside the theatre.

As the situation unfolds, the community continues to grapple with issues surrounding public safety and the efficacy of the judicial system in addressing violent crime.