Police have made two arrests and are seeking five other suspects after two alleged incidents of extortion and kidnapping at gunpoint in Rexdale.

"Obviously this is an organized group that went out and perpetrated these crimes," Supt. Ron Taverner told a news conference on Friday.

The incidents took place on Remembrance Day.

In one incident that started near Martin Grove Road and Rexdale Boulevard, a victim was taken to a location where he was assaulted before escaping his captors.

Later that evening, two others were abducted at gunpoint and taken in separate vehicles, he said.

"The first victim was taken along the 401 and, after a struggle with his captors, the vehicle pulled over and he was eventually able to make good his escape by kicking out a rear window of the vehicle," he said.

"He went to a residence where police were called. He was eventually taken to hospital where he was treated and released."

The second victim was taken to an apartment where "he was held overnight, assaulted and tortured," Taverner said. "He was eventually released the following day, where demands of cash and drugs were made on him."

However, no payment was made to the suspects, he said.

"Obviously this was not a random act. These people were targeted," Taverner said of the victims, adding they knew their assailants.

Taverner said he wouldn't classify the victims as known criminals, but did say they "may have been connected to the wrong crowd."

There are five individuals identified so far as participating in this case, with another three or four yet to be identified. One is a 17-year-old female.

The charges the suspects could be facing include kidnapping, forcible confinement, extortion, use of a firearm in a kidnapping and extortion, assault and aggravated assault.

Dustin Brandejs, 22, of Toronto, has been charged with 13 offences. Amrinder Chhokar, 26, of Kitchener, Ont., is facing 11 charges.

Arrest warrants have been issued for:

  • Mark Anthony Barreiras, 29
  • Shawn Jermaine Tyrell, 24
  • Bryan Robinson Taylor, 23
  • Patrick Anthony Anderson, 22

All are of no fixed address.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for a young offender, also of no fixed address.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 23 Division detectives at 416-808-2304.

Police added the following in a news release: "All five outstanding suspects are believed to be in the Toronto area and are to be considered armed and dangerous.  If the whereabouts of these wanted persons are known, the public is advised not to approach them but to call 9-1-1 immediately."