Two males are in custody for kidnapping after they forced a female into a vehicle and drove to a hotel in Mississauga.
On Sunday, March 31, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., members of West Division responded to a check on well being call in the area of Kings Crescent and Burcher Road, in Ajax. Police were contacted after the victim did not return to her residence for her curfew. The victim was last seen entering a vehicle with unknown males.
Further investigation revealed that the victim had been communicating with a suspect male via the social media app Yubo, earlier in the day. The victim made arrangements to meet with the suspect in the afternoon, but the suspect did not show up. Later that evening the victim was out walking with a friend when the suspect approached her in a vehicle, being driven by another male. The suspect forced the victim into the vehicle and fled the area. The victim later texted a friend that she needed help and was being forced into the sex trade.
Police located both the victim and the two suspects at a hotel in Mississauga. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident, and the victim was transported to a place of safety.
The victim did not sustain any physical injuries.
Oneil FORD, age 19 from Oshawa is charged with: Kidnapping.
Deshawn BROWN, age 20 from Pickering is charged with: Kidnapping.
Both males were held for a bail hearing.
A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham. These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com.
Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgment. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.
