Toronto police charge four boys in series of carjackings and robberies

Toronto police have arrested and charged four boys, three of them 14, in a series of armed carjackings and drugstore robberies in Toronto and York Region.

It’s the latest in a string of arrests as the city continues to deal with a rise in carjackings, with 188 reported so far this year, compared to 102 in 2021, a spokesman said. word of the Toronto police.

Toronto and York Region police responded to three carjackings and eight drugstore robbery calls between Sept. 19 and Oct. 4, Toronto police said in a news release announcing the arrests.

Police allege one or two boys would approach vehicles pointing a handgun at the occupant, demanding their keys and vehicle. The boys would leave in the stolen vehicle.

Police further said a group of boys would travel – often in the stolen vehicles – to pharmacies where they would enter into a “takeover” type of robbery.

Police say one of the boys pulled out a handgun and demanded money and narcotics.

The investigation was led by the Toronto and York Regional Police Heist Squads, with the assistance of intelligence from both forces.

On October 6, officers saw the boys getting into a stolen vehicle in a recent carjacking. Officers from both police departments stopped the vehicle and the boys were arrested.

Officers also executed two search warrants where it is alleged that a replica handgun was seized. Police also say a large amount of stolen narcotics were seized, along with clothing worn in the robberies.

A 16-year-old boy and three 14-year-old boys have been charged.

The 16-year-old and two of the younger boys are charged with multiple counts each of robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The third 14-year-old boy is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The four boys are from Toronto and were due in court last Friday.

They cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Toronto police have launched a « carjacking squad » to devote their time to investigating the crime.

In May, Toronto Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner had his black Range Rover stolen in a high-profile carjacking outside the Queensway Cinema in Etobicoke.

Earlier this month, Insp. Richard Harris of the robbery squad warned residents not to resist if someone tried to steal their car. « Don’t argue, don’t fight, » he said.

Anyone with information about this or other incidents is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.

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