Category: York Regional Police

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Threatening To Bring Gun To School Ends With Arrest

York Regional Police

York Regional Police Criminal Investigations Bureau investigators have laid charges against a male youth following a threats investigation.

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, officers attended a secondary school after the youth threatened to bring a firearm and cause harm at the school.

Through investigation, a search warrant was conducted at the youth’s residence and a number of firearms were seized.

The youth has since been charged with Uttering Threats and Possession of a Restricted Firearm without a Licence.

Youth Engagement Officers, under the York Regional Police Community Services Bureau, were engaged at the onset of the investigation. A Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) was conducted by Youth Engagement Officers, certified Board staff and community partners. This occurred once the student was removed from the school setting and no longer posed a threat.

The goal of a VTRA is to determine how to best support a student and decrease the likelihood of harm to themselves or others. In conjunction with a VTRA, a safety plan is created for the victim or potential victim.

York Regional Police remains committed to working collaboratively with the York Region school boards to ensure the safety of students and the broader community of York Region.

Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. An anonymous tip can also be left online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault – Police Fear More Victims


York Regional Police have charged a 51-year-old man from the Town of Georgina in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving a student in York Region.

On December 9, 2024 York Regional Police began an investigation after a student reported having been sexually assaulted by a teacher in September.

The name and location of the school are not being released to protect the identity of the victim.

The accused has been working as a high school teacher with the York Region District School Board.

The suspect is also active in the community as a volleyball coach in Keswick. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information regarding this or other incidents to please come forward. 

Charged: Andrew HAGERMAN, 51, of Georgina Charges: Sexual Assault 

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.

If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org , the Cedar Centre http://www.cedarcentre.ca/ or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can also be found on our website http://www.yrp.ca/en/services/resources/sexualassaultsurvivorsguide.pdf

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7075, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Shots Fired – Winston VERNON Wanted By Police


Investigators with the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have issued an arrest warrant for an Aurora man, after shots were fired at a home in Newmarket.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, at approximately 4:15 a.m., police responded to a residence in the area of College Manor Drive and Greig Circle for a report that shots had been fired. When officers arrived, multiple shell casings were found in front of the residence. Damage had been caused to the house and a vehicle parked in the driveway. A white hatchback was seen fleeing the area.

The house was occupied at the time of the shooting. There were no physical injuries.

Investigators believe the incident was targeted. 

Wanted:Winston VERNON, 35, City of Aurora Charges:Mischief to PropertyUnauthorized Possession of a FirearmUttering ThreatsAssault with a WeaponPointing a FirearmFail to Comply with UndertakingPossession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order x2 

Investigators are seeking any additional video surveillance from the area, and are appealing to anyone who may have captured dashcam footage on the roadways at the time of the incident. Anyone who has not yet spoken to police is asked to please come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Murder – Names & Photos Released

Investigators with the York Regional Police Homicide Unit have identified and charged two additional suspects in connection with the disappearance and death of Yuk-Ying Anita MUI.

On Friday, August 9, 2024, MUI was reported missing by family after they had not heard from her since 11 a.m. Later that day, her white 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 sport utility vehicle was located in the area of Finch Avenue East and Warden Avenue, in the City of Toronto.

On August 12, 2024, Ontario Provincial Police officers reported burned human remains had been located in the area of Avro Arrow Road and Highway 400, in the Town of Parry Sound. On August 21, 2024, the Office of the Chief Coroner positively identified the deceased as MUI.

On November 27, 2024, investigators arrested Abid KHUGIANI and laid several charges in connection with the homicide.

On December 4, 2024, investigators arrested Oscar LIANG and charged him with several charges, including Manslaughter, in connection with the homicide.

Charged:Abid KHUGIANI, 24, of the City of OshawaCharges:Indignity to Human BodyConspiracy to Commit an Indictable OffenceFraud Under $5,000Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000Traffic in Credit Card x6Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon x2Weapons Trafficking
Charged:Oscar Peidi LIANG, 19, of the City of TorontoCharges:ManslaughterAccessory After the Fact to MurderForcible ConfinementKidnappingConspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – KidnappingConspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Forcible ConfinementPossession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

A Canada-wide warrant for First Degree Murder remains in effect for 47-year-old ZhixiongMarko HU, from the City of Markham.

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.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Armed Carjacking – Names & Photos Released

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged two suspects and seized a quantity of drugs after executing a search warrant in relation to an armed carjacking which occurred in the City of Markham.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at approximately 2:40 a.m., police responded to a carjacking in the area of Old Kennedy Road and Denison Street. Three suspects approached the victim and pointed a firearm at him, before stealing his 2021 Mercedes G-Wagon. The suspects fled in tandem with a white BMW sport utility vehicle being operated by a fourth suspect.

On November 6, 2024, the stolen G-Wagon was located on a residential street in Mississauga and recovered by police.

On December 10, 2024, investigators executed a warrant in the City of Brampton in relation to the investigation. Officers seized a quantity of Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl, Heroin and Methamphetamine and recovered a Porsche that had been reported stolen during a home invasion in Toronto. Two suspects were arrested.

York Regional Police is releasing images of the accused as investigators believe they are part of a larger group actively involved in committing carjacking robberies and are appealing for witnesses.

Charged:Suvestan GANESHAMOORTHY, 34, of the City of PickeringCharges Include:Possession for the Purpose – CocainePossession for the Purpose – Crystal MethPossession for the Purpose – HeroinPossession for the Purpose – FentanylPossession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x2 
Charged:Arunsheeyaah ARULANANTHAM, 29, of the City of Brampton 

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are still seeking additional suspects.

Investigators are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. 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, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Hit & Run Involving Mobility Scooter – Life Threatening Injury

York Regional Police


Investigators with the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigations Unit are appealing for witnesses after a mobility scooter was struck by a motor vehicle in the Town of Georgina.

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, at approximately 12:25 p.m., officers responded to an elderly man being knocked off his mobility scooter by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the area of Woodbine Avenue and Riveredge Drive.

The victim was transported to hospital with a life-threatening injury. He is now in stable condition.

The driver of the SUV remained on scene and was not injured.

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.

Video can be uploaded through this link: https://yrp.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/24-394017 or by scanning this QR code:

Information can be provided to the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigations Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

FOUR SUSPECTS CHARGED, ONE WANTED, AND TWO SOUGHT FOLLOWING SPA ROBBERIES IN MARKHAM AND TORONTO

York Regional Police

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit, working jointly with the Toronto Police Service Hold-Up Squad, have charged four suspects, have issued a warrant for one other suspect following an investigation into a series of spa robberies in Markham and Toronto.

Police are also seeking two more suspects in this investigation.

On November 23, 2024 at approximately 3:20 a.m., a spa in the area of Dufferin Street and Wilson Avenue in Toronto was robbed at gunpoint by three suspects.

An hour later, at approximately 4:20 a.m., a second robbery occurred at a spa in the area of Birchmount Road and 14th Avenue in Markham. Three suspects forced their way into the business while armed with a firearm. They stole one of the victim’s vehicles and fled with a quantity of cash. In both incidents the suspects arrived in a stolen white Acura.

A video of the incident in Markham can be seen here.

On November 28, 2024, investigators located the stolen Acura and three suspects were taken into custody for possession of the stolen vehicle.

On December 6, 2024, at approximately 1 a.m., a third armed robbery of a spa occurred in the area of Victoria Park Avenue and Steeles Avenue in Toronto.

On December 8, 2024, two additional robberies were reported, one at approximately 3:20 a.m., in the area of Carlingview Drive and Renforth Drive, and the other at 3:45 a.m., in the area of Finch Avenue and Keele Street.  In both incidents the suspects arrived at the scene in a stolen Toyota Highlander.

On December 10, 2024, two search warrants were executed at residences in the City of Toronto with the assistance of the York Regional Police Emergency Response Unit. One suspect was taken into custody.

A warrant has been issued for an additional suspect, and investigators are seeking to identify two other outstanding suspects.

Investigators are releasing images of the adult suspects as they believe there are more victims. A list of suspects and their charges can be found here.

Three of the charged parties were on release orders and weapons prohibitions at the time of their arrests.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, officers  seized a replica firearm, tools used to commit the robberies and recovered the two remaining stolen vehicles.

Investigators are asking anyone with information, who may have seen something suspicious in the area, or anyone who may have dashcam or video surveillance footage at the time of the incident, to please come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be sent online at www.1800222tips.com.

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

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Police Press Releases WFP York Regional Police

Police Officer Gets Paid Vacation For Sexual Assault & Forcible Confinement

York Regional Police

A York Regional Police officer has been charged with three counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Forcible Confinement following an investigation by the York Regional Police Professional Standards Bureau.

The investigation began in March 2024 when York Regional Police investigators learned of allegations against the officer.

Detective Andrew BURFORD was suspended with pay beginning March 4, 2024, under the provisions of the Police Services Act, which was in effect at that time.

Detective BURFORD has been a member of York Regional Police since 2004.

In the interest of victim protection, no further information will be released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Professional Standards Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6676.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Magic Mushroom Bust

York Regional Police

With two arrests and $63,500 worth of magic mushrooms (psilocybin) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) seized, York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit (GGDEU) investigators have made a significant impact in the fight against illegal magic mushroom stores operating within our community.

In March 2024, the GGDEU commenced an investigation into the FunGuyz Magic Mushrooms store in the area of Yonge Street and Centre Street after complaints from the community. The production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms and DMT, also a psychedelic drug, are illegal in Canada. There are no legal stores in Ontario permitted to sell these controlled substances.

In April 2024, three separate Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants were executed, multiple charges laid and $63,500 worth of controlled substances seized.

Charged:Shaniece PETERS, 26, of TorontoMichal GOLDENBERG, 23, of VaughanCharges:Trafficking in a Controlled SubstancePossession for the Purposes of TraffickingSeized items:2,406 grams of magic mushrooms4,900 magic mushroom capsules379 magic mushroom edibles20 DMT vapes2,620 magic mushroom pills$4,960 in Canadian currency

York Regional Police is reminding the community of the following:

  • The sale (trafficking) of magic mushrooms and DMT is a criminal offence under the CDSA
  • Possession of these substances is also illegal. Any members from the community that purchased these substances from this business can face criminal charges
  • The businesses engaged in selling these products are illegal
  • Magic mushrooms and DMT sold to the community from this business are not subject to any government quality control measures
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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

17 Year Old Repeat Offender Arrested For Armed Carjacking

York Regional Police

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged a 17-year-old boy after a carjacking in the City of Richmond Hill.

On Monday, April 22, 2024, at approximately 1:15 a.m., police responded to a carjacking in the area of Leslie Street and East Beaver Creek Road. The victims were walking to their vehicle when four suspects approached, armed with at least one firearm, and demanded their keys.

Investigators located the stolen vehicle in the area of Meadowvale Road and Highway 401 in the City of Toronto, with one suspect inside. With the assistance of the Emergency Response and Canine Units, the vehicle was contained. A youth was taken into custody and the stolen vehicle was recovered.

Three suspects are still being sought. 

Charged:17-year-old male, of the Town of AjaxCharges:
Robbery with a Firearm
Disguise with Intent
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Fail to Comply with Release Order x2

At the time of these offences, the youth was subject to two separate release orders and was wanted by Durham Regional Police.   

York Regional Police is providing these tips every driver should keep in mind to avoid a carjacking:

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in places you feel safe
  • Stay vigilant at public garages, parking lots, gas stations and at controlled intersections
  • Keep your vehicle keys and house keys on separate key rings
  • Invest in GPS tracking or vehicle tracking services
  • Do not leave your vehicle running unattended
  • If you are the victim of a carjacking, avoid challenging the suspects. Obtain the best descriptions you can and call 9-1-1 when safe to do so.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Drug & Weapons Bust

Three brothers are facing multiple firearms and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) charges after search warrants were executed in the Town of Newmarket and City of Richmond Hill.

On Friday, April 19, 2024, uniformed officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Fernbank Road and Mulock Drive in Newmarket after an off-duty YRP officer reported a possible impaired driver.

The driver was arrested for Impaired Operation by Drug and Possession of a Controlled Substance after a small amount of what is believed to be cocaine was located. After further investigation, investigators from the #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau sought and obtained a CDSA search warrant for two addresses.

As a result of the search warrants, a large arsenal of firearms was located and seized, many of which were loaded and stored improperly. A large quantity of various drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, was also located and seized with an approximate street value of $60,000.

Marcus BOROWSKI, 25, of Newmarket, Matthew BOROWSKI, 23, of Richmond Hill and Joshua BOROWSKI, 27, of Richmond Hill are all facing multiple charges. Please see the attached charge list.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7445, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Video Of Home Invasion Released

York Regional Police


Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged two men and recovered a stolen vehicle following a home invasion in the City of Markham.

On Saturday, April 12, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., police were called to a home in the area of Steeles Avenue East and Henderson Avenue for a home invasion. When they arrived at the residence, the victim reported two armed men broke into her house and threatened to kill her while demanding money. The suspects fled in a white sports utility vehicle (SUV). The victim was not injured.

Through investigation, it was learned the SUV was stolen earlier that day from the City of Orillia.

Investigators were able to locate the stolen vehicle, with the assistance of our Air Support Unit and the Toronto Police Service (TPS). The suspects were located on foot in a mall in Toronto and taken into custody.

Charged:

  • Wylie GABRIEL, 18, of no fixed address
  • Andrew PARSONS, 24, of Toronto 

Charges:

  • Robbery with Firearm
  • Disguise with Intent
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Mischief Over $5,000

PARSONS was on two release orders and wanted by TPS at the time of these offences.

A video of the incident can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/iMj8_sL7Mms

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or by leaving an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

For up-to-date crime data in York Region please visit our Community Safety Data Portal at

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview at www.yrp.ca/registermycam.

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Police Press Releases WFP York Regional Police

1/2 Dozen Caged Puppies Rescued After Being Left On Roadside

York Regional Police is seeking witnesses after six puppies were left abandoned at the side of the road in the Township of King.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 2:27 p.m., police were called to the area of Weston Road and 15th Sideroad for a report of an animal complaint. When police arrived, it was learned that a passerby had located six puppies in a wire cage at the side of the road.

The puppies, described as being similar to a Husky breed, did not appear to be in distress and had no visible injuries.

The puppies were taken into the care of Animal Services where they will be receiving the necessary care and attention. The puppies are not yet ready for adoption.

This 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, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases WFP York Regional Police

4 Arrested In Pokemon Theft

Investigators with the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged one adult and three youths in connection with a robbery in the City of Vaughan.

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, shortly after 10 p.m., police responded to a parking lot in the Jane Street and Rutherford Road area for a report of a robbery. When officers arrived at the scene, it was learned that the victim planned to sell a highly valued Pokémon trading card.

When the victim arrived, two suspects exited a vehicle and approached him. As he produced the Pokémon card, one of the suspects grabbed it and ran back toward the vehicle, where two additional suspects were waiting.

The victim attempted to give chase when one suspect brandished a knife. The victim was able to obtain a licence plate prior to the vehicle fleeing.

The vehicle was located and followed into the City of Toronto where an arrest was safely made in the Parliament Street and Richmond Street East area.

At the time of these offences, one accused was already before the courts on unrelated charges and bound by an Undertaking with conditions. A second accused also before the courts on unrelated charges was bound by two separate Probation Orders.

Charged:
Haaron FARAH, 20, of Toronto

Charges include:
Robbery/Theft with Violence or Threats of Violence
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Fail to Comply with Release Order

Charged:
16-year-old male, of Toronto
17-year-old male, of Toronto
17-year-old male, of Toronto – also charged with YCJA Breach of Probation x2

Charges include:
Robbery/Theft with Violence or Threats of Violence
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7445, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases York Regional Police

Pervert Alert: Police Fear More Victims – Anthony PANES Arrested

York Regional Police

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, investigators from the York Regional Police Sexual Assault and Crimes Against Children Unit charged a man with two sexual offences and believe there may be more victims.

Through investigation, it was learned that the accused sexually assaulted a minor who attended a martial arts club where the accused was a coach.

The accused is known to have worked at other martial arts clubs in the Greater Toronto Area. Investigators believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. They are being urged to contact police as soon as possible.

Anthony PANES

Charged:
Anthony PANES, 26, of Newmarket

Charges:
Sexual Assault
Sexual Interference

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.

If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can be found on our website http://www.yrp.ca/en/services/resources/sexualassaultsurvivorsguide.pdf

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.