An 18-year-old man and male youth from Toronto have been arrested, and two stolen vehicles and firearms have been recovered, following carjackings in York Region this month.
On Saturday, Aug. 5, just before midnight, a woman told police that a man pointed a gun at her and tried to take her car near Mistysugar Trail and Thornhill Woods Drive in Vaughan, according to a York Regional Police news release.
The suspect fled when approached by the victim’s husband. The vehicle was not taken and there were no injuries, police said.
A short time later, at approximately 12:30 a.m., police were called to a carjacking in the area of Fairburn Drive and Highway 7 East in Markham. The victim called to say his Mercedes was taken at gunpoint by a man. Air2 located the suspects and officers on the ground were able to arrest one of them and recover the victim’s Mercedes.
A loaded handgun was later located near the scene, police added.
On Aug. 8, through investigation, a second outstanding suspect in a stolen Jaguar Pace was located in Toronto. With the assistance of Emergency Response Unit, Canine Unit and Air2, the driver and passenger were arrested. As the driver exited the vehicle, a firearm fell from his lap.
The Toronto teen and youth are facing numerous charges, including robbery with a firearm (x2), disguise with intent (x2), possession of a loaded restricted firearm, dangerous operation and flight from police, said police.
A second male youth from Toronto is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The adult accused was on bail for unrelated charges and on a firearms prohibition at the time of the offences, police added.
Air2 video of the incidents can be found here.
York Regional Police reminds citizens to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings in public. Call police right away to report suspicious persons or activity, or any time you feel unsafe or believe you are being followed.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online.
