Homemade explosive device detonated at mall north of Toronto, police say
A 19-year-old is facing multiple charges after a homemade explosive device was detonated at a mall in York Region on Wednesday.
Police say they were called to the food court at Upper Canada Mall, located near Yonge Street and Davis Drive, around 6:45 p.m.
When officers arrived, they found a “homemade incendiary device,” police say.
According to police, the device had been detonated. No one was physically injured.
Investigators later learned a male suspect had arrived at the food court, placed the device in a planter box and then fled the scene.
A suspect was taken into custody shortly afterwards with the help of the canine unit.
Toronto resident Michael Gatdula, 19, has been charged with multiple offences in connection with the incident, including arson with disregard for human life, unlawful possession of explosives, and use of explosives with intent to destroy property and possession to endanger life.
The charges have not been proven in court and no further details about the incident have been released.
In a news release issued Thursday, investigators reminded residents that if they see something unusual or suspicious, to call police immediately.
“Every precaution should be taken when suspicious devices or packages are found,” officials said in a statement.
“Do not handle any material that could be hazardous or explosive, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1 immediately.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing and is asking anyone with information to contact them or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city, marking the first franchise in Canada
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.