Young Offender Charged In Violent Markham Carjacking
Posted November 18, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It was a brutal crime that terrorized a 61-year-old woman and sent her to hospital over a year ago.
Yet despite the time that had elapsed, York Regional Police made an arrest Friday in the terrifying carjacking that happened inside the victim’s own garage
Officers allege that on October 20, 2007, the woman was returning to her Brimley Road and Steeles Avenue home around 11:35pm.
Like any average evening, she pulled into the garage and exited the vehicle. Unfortunately, this night would be far from ordinary.
She was allegedly grabbed by five masked suspects who threw her to the ground and stole the keys to her car.
Shockingly, that wasn’t enough for the thieves. One suspect, who allegedly had a handgun, supposedly forced her back into the car with all of her assailants.
The beatings continued as she was driven to various automated teller machines, forced to withdraw cash for the men.
After they had gotten what they wanted, the suspects left the frightened woman inside her vehicle in the area of Don Mills and Sheppard Avenue.
Incredibly, she made it to a nearby store to call police.
She was taken to hospital, treated and released. Thankfully, she only sustained minor injuries.
Over a year later, and after a lengthy investigation, officers from the Hold-Up Unit arrested one of the men believed responsible.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named, was in custody in Hamilton on other criminal charges. But a Judge’s Order from the Youth Justice Court in Newmarket saw him formally charged with the following crimes:
- Robbery While Armed with a Firearm
- Disguise with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence
- Use Firearm in the Commission of an Offence
- Kidnapping
He’ll appear in court again on Wednesday.
Four suspects are still outstanding. They’re described as
- male
- black
- late teens to early 20s.
If you can help, call the Hold-Up Unit 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous 1 -800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave an anonymous tip online 1800222TIPS.com.
TIPS FOR DRIVERS
- Remember everything you can about the offender including their description and clothing
- Pay attention to your surroundings. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle, do not go to your vehicle. Instead walk to a safe place and call police
- Always drive with your doors locked and windows up
- Do not leave keys in the ignition or your vehicle running
Information courtesy York Region Police.
