Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit have charged a Toronto man following a violent, hate-motivated assault on a hotel employee in the City of Markham.
On September 28, 2025, just after 3 a.m., officers responded to reports of an assault in progress at a hotel near Highway 7 East and Commerce Valley Drive West. An employee reported that an intoxicated guest had become aggressive.
Upon arrival, police located a 54-year-old injured employee and arrested the suspect nearby. The victim sustained serious head injuries and was transported to a trauma centre.
Through investigation, officers learned that the suspect was attempting to pay for his room when his credit card was denied. A verbal altercation ensued and the suspect’s demeanor changed when he learned the victim was Muslim. The suspect became upset, told the victim he was going to kill him and chased him to a room where he was violently assaulted.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged three men in connection with two Vaughan home invasions. Two additional suspects remain outstanding.
The investigation, dubbed ‘Project Timer’, began after two home invasions occurred on Timber Creek Boulevard on August 31 and September 10, 2025. In each incident, multiple suspects forced their way into the homes armed with weapons, including a firearm in one incident.
Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported.
During both home invasions, the suspects fled in a dark-coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV).
On September 16, 2025, investigators located the suspect vehicle in the area of Yorkleigh Avenue and Scarlett Road in the City of Toronto. Five occupants were seen exiting the vehicle and were preparing to commit a home invasion when investigators intervened.
Three suspects were arrested in the backyard while two others fled. At this time, there is no description for the two remaining suspects. A loaded firearm was also seized at the scene.
A dark-coloured SUV identified through the investigation was seized and determined to be stolen from Toronto.
Zachary BOYCE, 22, of no fixed address, Jacoy MONTEGUE, 21, of the City of Toronto and Jaykell WATSON, 22, of the Town of Ajax, are facing numerous charges.
Following their arrests, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Ajax. As a result, WATSON is also facing drug related charges.
Click the attachment below for a list of charges and suspect images.
Investigators are releasing their photos as they are believed to be associated to other incidents around the Greater Toronto Area.
At the time of their arrest, MONTEGUE and BOYCE were on previous release orders in connection with unrelated incidents.
Residents in the area of Yorkleigh Avenue and Scarlett Road are being asked to check their yards and video surveillance for anything that may seem out of place as two suspects remain outstanding.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are appealing for witnesses and searching for two suspects after a man was shot outside his home in the City of Markham.
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of McCowan Road and 14th Avenue. When officers arrived, they located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injures.
The suspects arrived in a grey Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle, which investigators have since recovered.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance identifying two suspects. Both are described as male, Black, wearing grey hooded sweaters and black track pants.
Investigators believe this incident was targeted and urge anyone who has not yet spoken with the police to come forward. Additionally, officers are seeking surveillance video or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
York Regional Police are issuing a public warning following a violent daytime home invasion in the Town of Aurora.
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, at approximately 11:20 a.m., police were called to a residence in the area of Murray Drive and Kennedy Street for a home invasion. The female victim reported answering the door after someone was knocking aggressively. As the front door opened, a male suspect forced his way into the residence and attempted to restrain her.
A second victim, who was also at the residence, attempted to intervene and was violently assaulted.
The suspect fled the residence in an unknown direction on foot, without making any demands for valuables or stealing anything.
Both victims suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect is described as:
Male, white
20 to 30 years old
Approximately 6’ and approximately 175 lbs. to 180 lbs.
Wearing a black balaclava, with two eye-holes and a separate mouth hole, a midweight black puffy coat, black pants and black boot-like footwear
York Regional Police would like to warn the community to always know who is at your door before opening it. This can be done from a window where the person would not be able to see you, for example, a second floor or living room window. If able, use security cameras or peepholes to verify who is at the door before opening it.
If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and call 9-1-1 right away.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. To leave an anonymous tip online, visit www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit are seeking two suspects following a home invasion in the City of Vaughan.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, shortly after 4:30 a.m., police were called to a residence in the area of Thornhill Woods Drive and Fraserwood Road for a home invasion. The victim reported two suspects forced their way into a home, demanded money and keys to a Lamborghini. At least one suspect was armed with a small knife.
The suspects were unsuccessful in obtaining the keys to the Lamborghini. However, the suspects fled in the victim’s 2018 Porsche Macan sport utility vehicle.
There was one other adult and a child in the home at the time. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Suspect #1 is described as male, light skin, approximately 5’10 to 5’11 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, black shoes, gloves and was holding a small knife.
Suspect #2 is described as male, light skin, approximately 5’11” to 6’ with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black toque, black ski mask, black pants, gloves and red and black shoes.
Investigators believe this is a targeted incident and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. They 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 call the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. To leave an anonymous tip online, visit www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police #4 Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a 50-year-old man and are appealing for more victims to come forward following an investigation in the City of Vaughan.
On February 23, 2025, the victim reported that an indecent act occurred at a store in a shopping mall in the area of Jane Street and Rutherford Road the day prior. At approximately 2 p.m., on February 22, 2025, the victim was in a store with their child when a male, unknown to them, exposed himself and touched his genitals.
Through investigation, the male was identified and charged on March 2, 2025.
Investigators are releasing an image of the suspect as they believe there are more victims and encourage them to come forward.
Charged:
Dale FORDER, 50, of the City of Toronto
Charges:
Indecent Exposure to Person Under 16 Years of Age
Indecent Act
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police would like to encourage anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident to police. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Homicide Unit have charged a 22-year-old man and are seeking witnesses following an arson at a restaurant in the Township of King.
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, shortly before 3 a.m., police attended a restaurant in the area of Highway 27 and King Road for reports of a fire. When emergency services arrived, the premise was fully engulfed in flames.
King Fire and Emergency Services extinguished the fire, conducted a search of the property and located a deceased person inside.
The circumstances surrounding the fire are considered suspicious and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has been engaged.
The identity of the deceased person will not be known until a positive identification has been made by the Office of the Chief Coroner.
Through investigative efforts, a suspect was identified and charged.
Charged:Saeed ALSHOUBAKI, 22, of the City of Mississauga
Charges:Second-Degree MurderArson
This incident is considered targeted and investigators are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to check their security cameras or dashcam footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, or email at [email protected], or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
York Regional Police is reminding the public of the shared responsibility of road safety after four people were recently charged in separate fatal collisions that occurred between September 2024 and January 2025.
Many collisions are preventable and there are a number of steps that the public can take to mitigate collisions and ensure that York Region roadways remain safe for all users.
Monitor your speed: Excessive speed is the most common contributing factor to fatal collisions
Wear your seatbelt: Using a seatbelt is the most effective way to reduce the chance of injury or death in a motor vehicle collision
Don’t drive while impaired: Impaired driving remains the number one criminal cause of death in Canada. When you consume alcohol or drugs and drive, you risk the lives of your passengers, the lives of every other driver and pedestrian on the road and your own
Be an attentive driver: Collisions due to distracted driving are becoming increasingly common. Distractions can come from many sources, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and reading
Since the last public appeal for more diligent operation of motor vehicles, investigators have charged four more drivers involved in fatal collisions.
Charged:Yangyang LIU, 47, of the City of Vaughan
Charges:Dangerous Operation Cause Death
Anthony BUFFONE, 46, of the City of Mississauga
Dangerous Operation Cause Death x2Dangerous Operations Cause Bodily Harm
18-year-old male, of the Town of Bolton
Dangerous Operation Cause Death
Asad WADIA, 36, of the City of Vaughan
Dangerous Operation Cause Death
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Information can be provided to the Major Collision Investigation Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704. Anyone wanting to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are appealing for witnesses and searching for a suspect after a woman was shot outside her home in the City of Markham.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Lee Avenue and Noble Street. When they arrived, they located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injures.
Video recovered from the area shows the suspect arrived in a dark-coloured, Audi A4 sedan. The suspect is described as male, Asian, skinny build, wearing a high-visibility vest, construction helmet, a dark-coloured hooded sweater, black pants and a medical mask.
The victim exited her home to speak with the suspect and as she was returning to her residence the suspect shot her.
Investigators believe the incident is targeted and are appealing to anyone who has not yet spoken to police to please come forward. Additionally, officers are seeking surveillance video or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online at www.1800222tips.com.
York Regional Police is issuing a warning to the public following a re-emergence of staged collision carjackings.
In these incidents, suspects will purposely cause minor collisions by driving into the victim’s vehicle. When the victim exits their vehicle to assess the damage, the suspects will confront the victims, often with firearms, and steal the vehicle. Suspects have also used distraction techniques to allow another suspect to steal the vehicle when the victim isn’t looking.
On November 3, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to reports of a carjacking in the area of Warden Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive in Markham. The victim was rear-ended by the suspect’s Honda sedan. When he exited to check the damage, he was confronted by two suspects armed with firearms. One suspect stole the victim’s Lexus, while the other fled in the Honda.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 7:10 p.m., police responded to a carjacking in the area of Kirkham Drive and Karachi Drive in Markham. A male suspect on a bicycle rode into the side of the victim’s Cadillac Escalade. When the victim got out to check on the male, a dark sedan pulled up behind the Escalade. Two suspects exited the sedan, threatened the victim with a firearm and stole the vehicle.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police responded to an attempted carjacking in the area of King Road and Highway 27 in Vaughan. The victim’s Cadillac Escalade was lightly rear-ended. When the victim got out of the vehicle to assess the damage, she was confronted by two suspects, one armed with a firearm. The suspects attempted to steal her vehicle but were unsuccessful due to a kill switch being installed in the Escalade.
On Friday, January 17, 2025, at approximately 5:50 p.m., police responded to a carjacking in the area of Leslie Street and Bethesda Sideroad in Richmond Hill. The victim’s Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was rear-ended by a dark coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV). When the victim got out of the vehicle to assess the damage, a suspect entered his vehicle and drove away.
Police are advising citizens to always be aware of their surroundings. Trust your instincts. If you feel you are being followed, or if something doesn’t feel right, drive to a police station or contact police immediately. If you are involved in a collision and have concerns about the circumstances call 9-1-1. If you are the victim of a carjacking, prioritize your personal safety and be the best witness you can be.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online at www.1800222tips.com.
As a result of an investigation by the York Regional Police Professional Standards Bureau, a York Regional Police officer has been charged with multiple offences.
On January 15, 2025, Constable Guangnan (Garry) SUN was arrested and charged with:
Unauthorized Use of Computer x23
Breach of Trust by Public Officer x2
Obstructing Justice
Constable SUN commenced his employment with YRP in August, 2022. After joining YRP, Constable SUN worked in 5 District and more recently he worked out of the Community Resource Centre, located at 10720 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill.
Constable SUN has been released from custody with conditions. His first court appearance date is February 18, 2025 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to contact the Professional Standards Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6676 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit are seeking multiple suspects after shots were fired during a home invasion in the City of Vaughan.
On Monday, January 6, 2025, at 3:49 a.m., police responded to a home invasion at a residence in the area of Sir Sanford Fleming Way and Grand Turk Avenue. Once on scene, officers learned that multiple suspects broke through the rear glass door and at least one suspect was armed with a handgun. When the residents were confronted, a struggle ensued and the gun was discharged.
A victim was located suffering from a gunshot wound and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No other residents were injured. However, investigators believe one of the suspects may have been injured during the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
During the struggle, the suspects dropped the handgun and fled in a dark-coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV). The gun was recovered at the scene.
The suspects remain outstanding.
Suspect #1: male, 25 to 30 years old, approximately 5’10” with a skinny build, wearing a black hooded sweater, black balaclava and carrying a handgun with an extended magazine.
Suspect #2: male, 25 to 30 years old, approximately 5’8” with a skinny build, wearing a balaclava with unknown clothing.
Suspect #3 and #4: male, 25 to 30 years old, no description available.
Suspect #5: no description available.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are seeking a 33-year-old man wanted for Attempted Murder.
On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police were called to a motel in the area of Highway 11 and Canal Road, in the Township of King, for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 24-year-old male victim with gunshot injuries. He was transported to a trauma centre with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. The suspect was not located at that time.
Andrew Joseph PITRE, 33, of the Township of King, is wanted for Attempted Murder and firearms-related offences. Police have been unable to locate him and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Investigators are releasing his image and appealing to the public for information on his whereabouts.
PITRE is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, citizens are urged not to approach him but to call police immediately.
The accused is encouraged to seek legal advice and turn himself in.
Wanted:
Andrew Joseph PITRE, 33, of Township of King
Charges:
Attempted Murder
Discharging Firearm with Intent
Careless Use of a Firearm
Aggravated Assault
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Possession of a Restricted Firearm
Point Firearm
Unlicenced Person Possess Prohibited/Restricted Weapon
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit have charged a Vaughan man after an investigation into the trafficking of a youth in the City of Vaughan.
On December 26, 2024 at approximately 2:50 p.m., officers attended a residence in the area of Steeles Avenue and Bathurst Street for a Check Welfare call. On scene, officers learned that the victim, a youth, was being held against her will, had been sexually assaulted and was being trafficked for a sexual purpose.
The suspect met the victim at a shopping centre two months prior and began communicating with her on social media. The suspect lured the victim to his residence where he sexually and physically assaulted her. The suspect took pornographic photos of the victim in order to advertise sexual services and then trafficked her for this purpose.
York Regional Police is releasing an image of the suspect as investigators believe there are additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward. A photo of the suspect and a list of charges can be found found HERE.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical offences. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigations Unit are appealing for witnesses after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the City of Markham
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, shortly after 7 a.m., officers responded to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian in the area of Markham Road and Golden Avenue.
When officers arrived, a 53-year-old man was located and found to have sustained severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle which remained at the scene.
The man was taken to a local hospital but was later airlifted to a nearby trauma centre. On Friday, December 20, 2024, the man succumbed to his injuries.
No charges have been laid at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Investigators are appealing to any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, and to anyone who may have dashcam footage of the area at the time of the collision, to please come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigations Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. An anonymous tip can be left online at www.1800222tips.com.
