Police say would-be car thieves bumped another vehicle from behind and when the driver pulled over to assess the damage, he was confronted by a man holding a knife who demanded his keys.
Investigators with the York Regional Police hold-up unit say the attempted armed carjacking took place in Markham on Sunday, Aug. 20.
The victim was driving a black Mercedes SUV westbound along Steeles Avenue East at around 3 a.m. when he came to a red light at Victoria Park Avenue.
While stopped, his vehicle was lightly struck from behind by a black BMW.
Both drivers turned north onto Victoria Park Avenue, into a transit loop, as the Mercedes driver got out to assess the damage, police said.
As the victim exited his vehicle, a passenger in the BMW approached the victim while armed with a knife and demanded the victim’s keys and cellphone.
The victim ran away and called police, York Regional Police said in a news release.
The suspects fled westbound on Steeles Avenue East. The victim was not injured and his vehicle was not taken, police said.
The suspect who approached the victim is described as male, white, black hair, around 20 years old, skinny build, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, wearing a black hoodie.
Police said there may have been as many as three suspects in the BMW.
It’s believed these are the same suspects involved in a previous carjacking Aug. 17 in the area of Rinas Avenue and Beaverbrae Drive in Markham.
Police are advising citizens to be aware of their surroundings. If you feel you are being followed or something doesn’t feel right, drive to a police station or contact police immediately. If you are the victim of a carjacking, do not risk your life over property that can be replaced.
Officers would also like to speak with anyone who may have video surveillance or dashcam footage in the area at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
