Chopper video captures bust of three teen boys in Scarborough carjacking
One youth allegedly hopped into the vehicle, held a knife to the victim's throat and demanded the keys
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Three teenage boys face charges for a knifepoint carjacking in Scarborough last weekend that ended with their arrests captured on police helicopter video.
Toronto Police say the drama began with a frightening vehicle theft in the area of Victoria Park Ave. and Sheppard Ave. E. just after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and ended with the arrests of the three youths near Neilson and Ellesmere Rds. thanks to the assistance of a neighbouring police service’s helicopter.
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Chopper video captures bust of three teen boys in Scarborough carjacking Back to video
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“I want to commend our members for making another outstanding carjacking arrest, reinforcing our commitment to tackling this ongoing issue and keeping our city safe,” Chief Myron Demkiw said in a statement Wednesday.
“I also extend my gratitude to the York Regional Police Air Support Unit for their partnership, as their helicopter played a crucial role in these arrests,” he said. “This is an example of how vital police helicopters are in safely managing vehicle pursuits, reducing risks to officers, the public, and everyone involved.”
Insp. Joseph Matys, who heads up the Hold Up Unit, explained the victim of the carjacking was sitting in their vehicle when a lone male hopped into the backseat, “produced a knife, held it against the victim’s throat, and demanded the keys.”
“The victim complied, handing over the keys before exiting the vehicle,” he said, adding the carjacker then drove off in the stolen vehicle.
Matys said responding officers “quickly located the stolen vehicle” and spotted “multiple suspects” entering it before it took off.
Members of the Hold Up Unit – assisted by officers from 33, 43 and 51 Divisions, Primary Response Units and Major Crime Units, the K9 Unit and the York Regional Police Air Support Unit (Air2) – tracked the vehicle until it stopped in the area of Neilson and Ellesmere Rds.
“Officers attempted to block the victim’s vehicle in place,” Matys said. “The vehicle drove over a snowbank and struck two police vehicles before stopping.”
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Video from the police eyes in the sky – Air2 – captured responding officers taking the trio into custody after a short foot pursuit and brief struggle in a residential neighbourhood.
A 16-year-old Toronto boy faces charges of robbery with an offensive weapon, flight while pursued by police officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and failure to comply with a probation order.
A 17-year-old Toronto boy is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a break-in instrument, and failure to comply with a release order.
And another 16-year-old Toronto boy is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The trio of accused can’t be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
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