Video shows suspects armed with sledgehammer break into spa in Markham

Three teenagers and a 19-year-old man have been arrested and three more are at large in connection with a series of spa robberies in Markham and Toronto, one of which was captured on security camera.

Video released by York Regional Police show three masked suspects breaking into a spa near Birchmount Road and 14th Avenue using a sledgehammer on the early morning of Nov. 23.

Once inside, the suspects are seen rummaging through the establishment, going into rooms, opening drawers at the front desk and taking some items. According to police, the suspects allegedly stole a vehicle from the spa and a quantity of cash.

An hour before, the same suspects allegedly robbed a spa near Dufferin Street and Wilson Avenue at gunpoint, police said.

In both incidents, the suspects used a stolen white Acura, which was located five days later on Nov. 28. Police said three suspects were arrested as a result.

Three more spa robberies were reported last week, all of which happened when the businesses were closed, police said. One happened in the area of Victoria Park and Steeles avenues, another occurred at Carlingview and Renforth drives, and the last one was at Finch Avenue and Keele Street.

On Tuesday, investigators executed a search warrant at residences in Toronto and one suspect was taken into custody.

A replica firearm, tools used in the alleged robberies, and two stolen vehicles were also seized as part of the investigation.

A replica firearm and two sledgehammers used in spa robberies in Toronto and Markham are seen in this undated photo. (York Regional Police)One of the four suspects apprehended has been identified as Daiquon Estrada-Kelly. The other three, two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old, cannot be named under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Daiquon Estrada-Kelly is facing charges in connection with spa robberies in Toronto and Markham. (York Regional Police)One of the 16-year-olds is facing 15 charges, including five counts of robbery with a firearm, two counts of forcible confinement and two counts of breaking probation. All four have been charged with a total of 23 offences.

Meanwhile, police are looking for three more suspects, one of whom has been identified as 19-year-old Ayden Murray. An arrest warrant has been issued for him as he is wanted for five counts of robbery, five counts of disguise with intent, and two counts of forcible confinement.

Ayden Murray is wanted in connection with spa robberies in Toronto and Markham. (York Regional Police)Investigators have not identified the other two, and no descriptions of them have been released.

 

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.1800222tips.com.