NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Section are seeking additional victims to come forward after a 21-year-old man was charged for human trafficking and firearms offences.
On Sept. 3, 2019, police responded to a hotel on East Pearce Street at Leslie Avenue, in the City of Richmond Hill, for a report of a gunshot being fired. When officers arrived at the scene, they determined that a firearm was discharged inside a hotel room during an altercation connected to human trafficking.
The suspect fled the scene. Investigators were able to identify the suspect and on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, he was placed under arrest in the City of Toronto.
Investigators are releasing an image of the accused and are appealing to anyone who may have been victimized by him to please come forward.
Charged: Christopher Howlett, 21, City of Toronto
Charges:
- Trafficking in persons under 18
- Material benefit from trafficking in persons under 18
- Material benefit from sexual services of a person under 18
- Use firearm in commission of offence possession of a weapon - firearm discharging firearm with intent
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition point firearm assault
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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