Video shows police using helicopter to track down carjacking suspects
York Regional Police have released a video showing the arrest of two suspects who allegedly stole a Mercedes in Richmond Hill – the latest in a string of armed vehicle thefts that has prompted police services in the Greater Toronto Area to create a carjacking task force.
YRP announced Friday that they are leading the task force, which includes Toronto police, Peel police, Durham police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario.
"This task force will further co-ordinate law enforcement efforts across the GTA to combat the issue," YRP said in a release.
The announcement comes as YRP said they made arrests in connection with a carjacking in Richmond Hill on Wednesday evening.
Police said a driver was sitting in his Mercedes in a plaza parking lot in the area of Leslie Street and Green Hill when he was approached by two men armed with handguns.
The suspects allegedly assaulted the driver and stole his watch, wallet and cellphone before fleeing the scene in his vehicle, police said.
A police helicopter tracked the suspects and the stolen vehicle to a Toronto address.
YRP posted the video of the arrest captured from its Air2 helicopter on YouTube. The helicopter was able to locate the vehicle parked on a dead-end street.
"I can't say 100 per cent it's the vehicle, but I'd say this is a 95 per cent look alike," a police officer can be heard saying in the video. Two people are then seen getting out of the vehicle.
The video then jumps to when police arrived at a driveway of a home where the suspects were.
"They're gonna run, they're gonna run," an officer is heard saying in the video.
The two suspects are seen making a dash, jumping fences and running through backyards to evade arrest.
However, a short time later, police are seen apprehending the two suspects.
Police said two 19-year-olds were arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.
Police continue to ask anyone with information to contact the hold-up unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6631 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
There have been an increase in armed carjacking incidents reported across the GTA this month. Among the victims was Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner whose Range Rover was stolen at gunpoint outside an Etobicoke movie theatre.
Just this week, Toronto police and Durham police responded to six carjacking incidents between late Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning. Later that evening, two armed men stole an SUV from a Brampton driveway.
The rash of violent carjackings in Toronto prompted Mayor John Tory to send a letter last week to his federal and provincial counterparts, asking for help to deal with the incidents.
"This situation and the trend line cannot continue, and I am writing to ask for your help," he wrote. "I am confident that by working together in partnership, all three levels of government
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.