York Regional Police have arrested and charged the man wanted in the Moka Espresso Bar shooting in Woodbridge after a “high-risk takedown” on Highway 400 in Barrie.
Jason Hay has been charged with two counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder after the vehicle he was in was stopped on Highway 400 between Essa Road and Mapleview Drive on Friday.
Police also arrested Tashari Bennett, 25, who was in the vehicle and charged her with accessory after the fact and breach of recognizance.
According to York police, Bennett was out on bail after a stabbing that sent four to hospital in Winnipeg. Bennett, along with four others, were charged with numerous offences including attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm.
One of Bennett’s bail conditions was that she return to Ontario, according to the Winnipeg Court House.
She was expected back in court in September.
Witnesses on the highway reported seeing unmarked police cruisers collide with the vehicle Hay was travelling in.
“Two unmarked cruisers came flying down the right side on the gravel,” says witness Mike Newtown.
“They just rammed into what appeared to be a Mercedes. We saw a combination of plain clothes policeman and policeman with machine guns of some sort,” Newtown said.
“Then they jumped into the window to grab the guy,” Newton added.
Police say the arrest comes as a “direct result of hard work” by the investigative team in the York police homicide unit.
On June 24, a man walked into the Moka Espresso Bar in Woodbridge, Ont., and opened fire at approximately 8:20 a.m.
Maria Voci, 47, and Christopher DeSimone, 24, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men were also injured in the attack, but they have since been released from hospital.
Police say Hay and Bennett will be held in custody and will appear in court on August 15.
Hay has a previous conviction of manslaughter for his role in the murder of a 23-year-old man in Brampton. He was given a sentence of seven years.
