NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police # 5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are seeking a suspect wanted on a warrant and appealing for assistance in identifying two other suspects after hazardous chemicals were located in a hotel room in the City of Markham.
On Wednesday April 28, 2021, at approximately 11:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of unknown chemicals located in a hotel room on Woodbine Avenue, north of Steeles Avenue. The nearby rooms were evacuated and the hazardous material was safely removed. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Through the investigation, officers located and arrested one suspect, Avraham Bistritzer, 47, of the City of Richmond Hill. He has been charged with Mischief Endangering Life.
A second suspect was identified as Shai Shimon Alfassi, 42, of Vaughan and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Two additional suspects are unknown at this time. Investigators are releasing images and asking anyone with information to please come forward.
Unknown suspect No. 1:
- Adult male
- Black hair
- Wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans
Unknown suspect No. 2:
- Adult male
- Wearing a brown leather jacket and white baseball hat
Possession of dangerous chemicals can pose serious risks, including fires and explosions. Members of the public are asked to report any suspicious activity, chemical odours, unusual storage or stockpiling of chemicals and take the following precautions when they come across suspicious materials:
Never drink, eat, touch or inhale materials that are believed to be hazardous chemicals. Even slightly inhaling a chemical can cause serious injury. If a material is suspected hazardous, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Do not approach the suspects.
This investigation is ongoing, anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police ## 5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online.
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