York Regional Police have announced the arrest of four individuals, including two men and two 15-year-old youths, in connection with a violent kidnapping case. The incident involved a 24-year-old man from Vaughan who was held captive for several days before being released in Toronto.
According to investigators, the kidnapping took place on Nov. 14 when the victim was ambushed by a group of suspects in a parking lot near Jane Street and Highway 7. The perpetrators forced the man into a vehicle and drove him away, sparking a thorough investigation that required significant resources.
The victim was eventually freed on Nov. 19 near Meadowvale Road and Sheppard Avenue in Scarborough. He sustained minor injuries and sought help from a passerby before contacting the authorities.
Following the incident, on Dec. 3, police conducted raids on multiple residences in Toronto, resulting in the apprehension of four suspects. Among them were Nathan Haskett, 18, and Shawn Dusome, 31, both from Toronto, alongside two unidentified 15-year-old males under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The accused individuals are facing a range of charges, including kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, possession of stolen property exceeding $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and arson. Haskett also faces additional charges of assault with a weapon, robbery, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Authorities suspect that more individuals were involved in the kidnapping and are still at large. The investigation is ongoing as police continue their efforts to identify and locate these additional suspects.