Four people, including two teens, have been arrested after a woman was kidnapped in Markham and a man was shot during a subsequent home invasion at her residence Monday morning.
York Regional Police said it began near McCowan Road and Highway 407 at around 8 a.m.
A woman was driving at the time when police said she was intentionally struck by a suspect vehicle, causing her to stop and exit her vehicle to check the damage.
“At this time, the second suspect vehicle, described as an older model grey Dodge Caravan, drove up next to her and forced her into the vehicle where she was ultimately restrained and taken from the accident scene,” police allege.
Almost an hour later, just before 9 a.m., police said they received reports of multiple suspects breaking into a home near McCowan Road and 14th Avenue.
“Once inside, the suspects indicated to the family that another one of their family members had been kidnapped by other suspects,” police said.
They added that during the home invasion, a 54-year-old man was shot.
When officers arrived, police said five suspects tried to flee but four were arrested.
Officers later recovered a loaded firearm and a stolen vehicle at the scene.
A fifth suspect was able to get away and police describe him as a male between 18 and 25 years of age wearing dark clothing, a mask and gloves.
Meanwhile, the woman was located a short time later in Toronto with minor injuries and her vehicle was recovered nearby, police said.
Two of the four arrested suspects have been identified as 21-year-old Shakir Bhatti and 20-year-old Parkaran Panglia. The other two, a 16-year-old Caledon boy and a 17-year-old Toronto boy, cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
All of them are facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, possession of restricted firearm knowingly not holding a licence, possession of a prohibited device knowing no authority and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Police said the 16-year-old was on a previous release order for unrelated offences at the time of the incident and that Bhatti has been released on bail.
“It is believed multiple suspects remain outstanding and are associated to both the kidnapping and home invasion,” police said.
Monday’s incidents came following a weekend of violent incidents in York Region that included two fatal shootings and an arson.
“To the community at large, we understand the concern and attention these incidents have. Let me say this: York Regional Police and I, personally, am committed to keeping our community safe and providing support for these victims and their families,” York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween said during a news conference on Wednesday morning.
“The gravity of these incidents will not be overlooked, and each case will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
The chief added that his police service will be increasing patrols in hot spot areas across the region as a proactive measure in the wake of the incidents.
