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
Parliamentary report on Emergencies Act decision is 18 months past due — and counting
The erstwhile group of senators and MPs studying the federal government's invocation of the Emergencies Act over the "Freedom Convoy" was supposed to present its findings in December. December of 2022, that is.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Black youth face multiple barriers in accessing mental health care, experts say
Black youth in Canada face multiple barriers in getting access to mental health services — and health-care providers can make the situation more difficult, experts say.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.