Police have made an arrest in the brazen shooting of two young sisters at a playground in the east end of Toronto earlier this week.

The Toronto Police Service announced on Saturday that Sheldon Eriya, 21, of Markham, has been arrested in connection with the case. Eriya is charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, discharging a firearm, possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking, and possession of the proceeds of a crime.

Officers said they are still looking for another two suspects.

Eriya appeared in court Saturday morning wearing a white jumpsuit and carrying a pair of jeans. He spoke softly and occasionally glanced to family members sitting in the public gallery.

Eriya grew up in Markham and attended George Brown College, according to his family. They say Eriya was working in construction for the last three years.

Outside the court, Eriya’s brother said his sibling is “innocent until proven guilty.”

“Obviously we’re upset,” said Eriya’s brother, who identified himself as Damon. “He’s a human being. Just like you and me. You know what I mean? He makes mistakes, he makes good decisions.”

On Thursday afternoon, two girls, aged five and nine, were shot while playing in a small playground in a Scarborough housing complex. Police say a car pulled up and a male emerged from the passenger seat and allegedly began shooting at an adult male target who was also in the park.

Police say the suspects then fled in a black Nissan Versa. Officers told CP24 they later found the vehicle at the Pickering Town Centre.

The girls, who are sisters, were transported SickKids Hospital in downtown Toronto where they required surgery for their injuries.

The family said Saturday that they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support following the shooting and thanked Toronto Mayor John Tory and police “for their tireless efforts and for working round the clock.”

The family also asked for privacy while the girls recover.

“At this time the focus is on the recovery of the girls. We ask that you keep them in your prayers for a speedy recovery and would kindly like to ask for privacy at this time,” the family said in a statement released by SickKids Hospital.

Police said 11 children were playing at the time of the alleged shooting. CTV News footage from the playground found as many as nine bullet holes investigators had circled in a nearby fence.

Tory called the incident “a totally unacceptable act of gun violence” while Premier-designate Doug Ford said he would “be monitoring the situation closely.”

Tory told CP24’s Arda Zakarian he heard from the mother of the sisters, who said they are doing OK.

Neighbours who live near the playground said they’re following the case closely.

“Any type of results is the best, honestly. I’m sure we’re all rooting for some type of justice for the family,” said Monique Evans, who lives in the area.

Eriya is expected to appear in court on Thursday by video link.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

With files from CP24 The Canadian Press