Police Break Up Criminal Network Behind Ontario Shooting and Quebec Murder

A criminal group believed to be responsible for various violent incidents across Ontario and Quebec has been taken down following a collaborative investigation that led to 13 arrests and over 150 charges, police officials revealed Monday during a press briefing at York Regional Police headquarters.

This wasn’t your typical street gang; instead, it was a “coalition of men from different groups and locations who would align themselves for profit-motivated violence,” said York police Supt. Simon James to reporters.

The reported violent acts include:

A shooting in a busy emergency room in London, Ont., in December 2024.A homicide case in Rimouski, Que., from November 2024.An attempted shooting of an individual in his driveway in Brampton, Ont., from December 2024.A shooting incident involving a man in a packed parking lot in Mississauga, Ont., from December 2024.An armed bank robbery in the GTA’s York Region from December 2024.A theft at a cellphone store in Markham, Ont., from December 2024.

“These actions were bold. They were brutal, and completely unacceptable,” stated York police Chief Jim MacSween.

“When it comes to carrying out violence, these suspects certainly didn’t discriminate. They displayed utter disregard for human life – leaving hundreds of victims behind.”

Spotting Connections

Officers from York police along with forces from Peel, Toronto and London contributed to the investigation which also involved the Ontario Provincial Police and the Sûreté du Québec. Six search warrants were executed at five locations over recent months leading to more than 150 charges against the thirteen individuals involved, according to police.

Initially, these events appeared unrelated, but through careful analysis and sharing information, investigators found links between them that pointed towards patterns.

Police say they are still searching for two people as part of the investigation. (Greg Ross/CBC)

This group also “recruited and exploited” younger individuals by using them as drivers or lookouts while sometimes involving them directly in criminal acts, James noted.

“What emerged was a view of an alleged criminal organization with a clear structure,” he explained – featuring older offenders who handled tasks such as choosing targets, acquiring weapons, managing finances, and coordinating transport while younger members assisted by following orders.

“You’re seeing very impressionable youth being groomed to join this group,” James commented.

Youths as Young as 14 Involved: Investigators

Moneymaking played a significant role in recruiting these youths since those higher up recognized that kids wouldn’t face long jail sentences if caught.

“It’s a mix of factors but ultimately you’re seeing kids – I’m talking about kids aged 14 or 15 – being pulled into horrific violent situations,” he said.

Durring the news conference held by London Police Service Chief Thai Truong highlighted how the city felt rattled by “brazen targeted acts of gun violence” on Dec. 14, 2024 when shots rang out near the doors of London Health Sciences Centre’s emergency department.

“A pursuit through our city ended right at Victoria Hospital’s emergency room entrance – which is supposed to represent healing safety trust,” he added.

Four firearms were confiscated during this investigation according to police reports.

<п<Investigators mentioned they are actively looking for a 19-year-old man from Hamilton and a homeless 24-year-old man linked to this case.

[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/york-police-arrests-9.7006891)