A Toronto man has been arrested for extortion, and three suspects remain at large, in connection with an armed home invasion robbery in Markham.
Three men, one armed with a handgun, forced their way into a house after ringing the doorbell Aug. 13 at about 10:25 p.m. near Woodbine Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive East, according to a York Regional Police news release.
The men demanded money, but after one of the occupants of the house attempted to contact police, the suspects fled without taking from the home and no one was physically injured.
On Friday, Aug. 18, one of the suspects returned to the residence to deliver a follow-up extortion letter.
Through investigation, a suspect connected with the extortion letter was identified, police said.
On Thursday, Aug. 24, Kevin Er, 47, was charged with extortion and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Investigators believe the wrong home and victims were targeted, police said.
Photographs of the outstanding suspects are being released and witnesses are being asked to come forward.
- Suspect 1: White male, 40 to 50, salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a surgical mask and gloves
- Suspect 2: Black male, six feet tall, 20 to 30, wearing a white hooded sweater, blue shirt, dark pants
- Suspect 3: Black male, 20 to 30, wearing a blue hooded sweater, dark pants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
