Toronto rapper Top5 wanted for upgraded charge of 1st-degree murder

Toronto police have upgraded the charges against Toronto-based rapper Top5 to first-degree murder in connection with aNorth York shooting in January that left a 20-year-old man dead.

On the night ofJan. 31, police said they responded to reports of shots fired near Jane Street and Falstaff Avenue.

Officers saidHashim Omar Hashi, 20,was shot multiple times in his vehicle while trying to enter a parking garage.He died at the scene.

Hassan Ali, 22, better known by his rap moniker Top5, was one of two men arrested and charged in connection withthe shooting about two weeks later.

Ali was originally charged with accessory after the fact to murder, two counts of failing to comply with probation, as well as three drug-related offences.

In a news release issued Thursday evening, police said charges against Ali have been upgraded and he is now wanted for first-degree murder and three counts of failure to comply with recognizance.

Police allege accused cut off ankle bracelet

Ali was released from custody in March and was living under house arrest with an electric ankle monitor that tracks his whereabouts, police say.

Investigators now allege he cut off his ankle bracelet and ditched it in the Highway 400 and Black Creek areaon Thursday, according to a police officialwho spoke to CBC Toronto on Friday.

Ali has not been seen since and officersare appealing for help from the public in locating him.

"He is believed to be violent and dangerous. Do not approach. Call 911 immediately," Thursday's release reads.

Police are asking anyone with informationto contact them at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.