NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Frontline officers have made an arrest and seized a replica handgun following a shooting in the City of Vaughan.
On Friday, July 3, 2020 at approximately 12:20 a.m., officers responded to a weapons call in the area of Rutherford Road and Weston Road. Officers were advised that three victims were standing outside together in a parking lot when a white Honda Civic with several occupants approached and began shooting at them. All of the victims were shot, but injuries were minor, indicating that the firearm was a replica.
The vehicle fled but officers continued to patrol the area, stopping vehicles that matched the description. At approximately 12:40 a.m., a patrol sergeant located the suspect vehicle and arrested the four occupants. A replica firearm was located in the vehicle and has been seized.
Charged:
• 18-year-old man from Vaughan
• 18-year-old man from Vaughan
• 17-year-old male from Vaughan
• 17-year-old male from Vaughan
Charges include:
• Assault with a weapon
• Possession of a weapon
• Pointing a firearm
In light of this and similar incidents involving replica or air guns, York Regional Police reminds the public of the following:
• When police respond to any call involving a weapon, the weapon will be treated as real until an investigation can determine otherwise
• While an air gun is not classified as a firearm, if it is used in the commission of an offence it is then classified as a firearm and suspects may be charged with applicable offences under the Criminal Code
• If you damage property, or injure a person or animal by discharging an air gun you could be subject to Criminal Code charges and civil liability
• Prior to purchasing an air gun you must determine where you can safely use it. These cannot be used on public land such as a park or other open areas
• Check with your local by law office to determine if you are permitted to use an air gun in your area
• If you are planning to use an air gun on private property other than your own, you must obtain permission from the land owner
Anyone with information is asked to contact the #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
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