Three teenagers were arrested after police thwarted an armed carjacking in Markham Friday.
On May 3 at about 7:20 p.m., police were conducting surveillance of three men in a stolen Acura involved in an April 25 carjacking, York Regional Police said in a news release. They parked the vehicle, and two suspects, one armed with a gun, exited the vehicle and began to assault two victims in an attempt to steal their car keys, police said.
Police intervened and, after a brief foot pursuit, the suspects were arrested and a loaded firearm was recovered. The victims suffered minor injuries, police said.
Previously, on April 25 at about 9 p.m., police responded to a report of a carjacking in the area of Highway 7 and Woodbine Avenue. Two men, at least one of whom had a gun, approached a victim walking to a vehicle. They demanded the keys and stole the vehicle, police said. The suspects had arrived in a stolen grey Acura SUV.
Jahziah Griffiths, 19, of Brampton, Anthony Morris, 19, of Toronto, and Yohann Tshiunza, 18 of Toronto, have been charged with robbery with a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime. Griffiths was also charged with failure to comply with a release order.
Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-8477 or 1800222tips.com.