Teen suspect named in wild Vaughan Mills mall robbery
Posted February 9, 2023 2:38 pm.
Last Updated February 9, 2023 2:40 pm.
York Regional Police have named a teen suspect after a car crashed into Vaughan Mills mall and drove through the empty shopping centre to facilitate an electronics store heist.
The daring robbery took place on Feb. 1 at around 1:10 a.m.
Video shows the car crash through the glass doors at one of the entrances of the mall on Bass Pro Drive in Vaughan.
“The vehicle was then driven through the mall to an electronics store where the suspects stole a quantity of items,” police said in a release. “The vehicle drove out of the mall through a second entrance.”
Police say two suspects were responsible for the brazen crime.
One of the alleged culprits has been identified as 19-year-old Israel Muamba of Montreal.
He’s wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for several serious charges including break and enter, theft over $5,000 and dangerous driving, among others.
A Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for Israel Muamba, 19, of Montreal. HANDOUT/York Regional Police
“He is encouraged to seek legal counsel and turn himself in,” police said. “Investigators are reminding the public that anyone who is, or has, assisted the suspect may be subject to criminal charges.”
Police are still working to identify the second male suspect.
RELATED: WATCH: Video shows car smashing through doors, driving through Vaughan mall during break in
No injuries were reported in what police described as “an audacious and remarkable crime.”
Investigators say the vehicle used in the robbery — a stolen black 2011 Audi A4 with a Québec licence plate — was later found in the area of James Snow Parkway and Highway 401.
