CRIME SCENE: Gunman sought for attempted armed robbery in Newmarket

Article content

The hunt is on for an unidentified masked man who tried to rob a Newmarket business at gunpoint on Thursday.

York Regional Police say officers responded to the attempted armed robbery in the area of Davis Dr. and George St. – east of Yonge St. – around 4:30 p.m.

One bandit entered the store, pointed a firearm at an employee and made a demand for money, police said Friday.

However, cops said the crook fled the scene empty-handed and was last seen heading east on Davis Dr.

Nobody was hurt during the unsuccessful heist.

Police are looking for a white man described as about 22 years old, 5-foot-11, with a thin build and blue eyes.

He was wearing a black mask, black T-shit, black pants and white shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the man’s identity or whereabouts  is urged to call the Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

TRIO CHARGED IN PICKERING GUN AND DRUG BUST

Two men and a woman face multiple charges following a gun and drug bust in Pickering this week.

Durham Regional Police say their Drug Enforcement Unit, with assistance from their Gun and Gang Enforcement Unit, concluded a seven-month drug investigation dubbed Project Quantum on Thursday with the execution of two warrants at Pickering addresses and the arrest of three individuals.

“During the search of the residence and a vehicle, investigators seized several items, including two magazines with ammunition, more than 1.1 kilograms of cocaine, a quantity of heroin and fentanyl, and more than $40,000 in cash,” police alleged Friday.

A 38-year-old Pickering man is charged with two counts possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking – heroin; possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl; possession of a prohibited device; and three counts of failure to comply with a weapons prohibition.

A 35-year-old Pickering woman is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking – heroin; possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl; and possession of a prohibited device.

A 54-year-old Mississauga man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

THREE TEENS ACCUSED OF RICHMOND HILL CARJACKING-SHOOTING

Three teenagers face charges stemming from a carjacking that saw a victim suffer a gunshot wound in Richmond Hill on Thursday.

York Regional Police say officers responded to a report of a carjacking in a plaza parking lot in the area of Hwy. 7 E. and Leslie St. just before midnight.

It’s reported that as the victim and two others were getting into their vehicle, two males approached and demanded the keys, while pointing a firearm at the driver.

A struggle broke out, during which the firearm was discharged, striking one of the victims in the leg and causing minor injuries.

The car thieves fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, accompanied by a third male driving a red Honda CRV.

Both vehicles were quickly located and three suspects were taken into custody.

Police said a handgun was also recovered.

One suspect suffered an injury during the arrest, so the province’s Special Investigations Unit was notified and has invoked its mandate.

Investigators believe the accused may be connected to additional robberies, so they have released an image of the adult suspect Joseph Campanion,18, of Ajax.

Campanion and two 17-year-old boys, one from Ajax and one from Whitby, are charged with four firearm-related offences, plus wearing a disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, failure to comply with an undertaking, and failure to comply – youth disposition.

At the time of this incident, Campanion and one of the youths were subject to probation conditions related to previous, unrelated matters.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

TRIO OF TEENS ACCUSED OF SHOOTING UP VAUGHAN BUSINESS

Three teenagers are accused of shooting up a Vaughan business earlier this month.

York Regional Police say officers responded around 5 p.m. on June 3 to the area of Milani Blvd. and Hwy. 27 – south of Langstaff Rd. – after a black Honda Accord arrived at a plaza there and a someone fired multiple times at a business before fleeing the scene.

Cops said the vehicle has since been recovered and was allegedly found to be stolen from Toronto on April 18.

Investigators have charged three suspects in relation to the shooting, but one suspect remains outstanding and police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying him.

Javon Dixon and Jaziah Dixon, 18, of East Gwillimbury have both been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 and discharge firearm with intent.

A 17-year-old Newmarket boy faces possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine charges.

The outstanding suspect is described as a heavy-set South East Asian male wearing a dark hooded sweater and shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

TWO UNIDENTIFIED E-SCOOTER RIDERS SOUGHT FOR AUTO THEFT

Investigators need the public’s help in identifying two male suspects wanted for a vehicle theft earlier this month.

Toronto Police say officers responded around 6:20 p.m. on June 4 to a call in the area of St. Dennis Dr. and Don Mills Rd. – south of Eglington Ave. E. – where it was reported that two males on an electric scooter were observed stealing a grey 2023 Honda CR-V.

The vehicle was last seen travelling on Don Mills Rd.

One suspect is described as wearing a black baseball cap, black face mask, brown hoodie, black pants, and carrying a satchel.

The second suspect is described as having black hair, and was wearing a red face mask and black hoodie.

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

MAN, 50, WANTED FOR HARASSMENT IN CITY’S EAST END

A 50-year-old man is wanted in a harassment investigation in the city’s east end.

Toronto Police say officers responded around 9 p.m. on Thursday to a call near Coxwell Ave. and Hanson St. – south of Danforth Ave. – where it’s alleged a man showed up at the victim’s residence and harassed her repeatedly.

Police say he fled before officers showed up.

A Toronto man was subsequently identified as a suspect.

Oral Cohen is wanted for three counts of harassment and uttering threats to cause bodily harm.

He’s described as about  5-foot-9, with an average build, bald head, with short grey facial hair.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ILLEGAL POT SHOT SHUT DOWN IN HAMILTON

Hamilton Police have shut down an unlicensed cannabis dispensary operating on Main St. E. and seized a quantity of illicit drugs.

On Thursday, a search warrant was executed at Hi Gradez Cannabis Dispensary following a community complaint and investigators determined the business was operating without the appropriate provincial authorization required to sell cannabis.

Only authorized retailers may legally sell or distribute cannabis in Ontario and property owners are prohibited from knowingly allowing their premises to be used for illegal cannabis activities.

Individuals convicted under these sections may face fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

One woman, whose name was not released, was arrested during the search and has been released with a future court date.

– With files from Chris Doucette