A man from Mississauga was taken into custody in Texas and is now facing charges linked to a 2021 attack on Elnaz Hajtamiri, a woman from Mississauga who has been missing since 2022.
The 25-year-old suspect faces charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and he is currently held in custody by York police, according to a news release issued on Friday.
The U. S. Marshals Service apprehended the man in Texas back in August before he was brought back to Canada where he faced charges, as per the release.
Authorities allege that he played a role in the attack on Hajtamiri that took place just weeks prior to her kidnapping, police stated on Friday.
Reports indicate that Hajtamiri was assaulted in December 2021 when she was struck with a frying pan inside an underground parking garage located in Richmond Hill. She required hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries and sustained a head wound needing 40 stitches. The attackers fled the scene, according to police accounts.
Then, just weeks later, in January 2022, three individuals dressed as fake police officers broke into her relative’s home in Wasaga Beach-where she had gone after the initial attack-and kidnapped her. The suspects reportedly drove off in a white Lexus SUV. Since then, Hajtamiri has not been seen again, with authorities believing she is presumed dead.
A tip from the public led investigators to find the suspect in Texas, Const. Lisa Moskaluk from York Regional Police told CBC Toronto during an interview on Friday.
“Anyone that has any bit of information, even if it’s a small bit of information, may be that key to unlocking further evidence,” she said
With this latest arrest included, eight individuals have been detained concerning the December attack; among them is Hajtamiri’s ex-boyfriend. OPP previously mentioned their belief that those involved might also be connected to her kidnapping or know about it.
When asked whether they are still pursuing other suspects, Moskaluk confirmed that the investigation remains active and having this suspect in custody could lead them towards additional suspects.
“There’s always the opportunity of new information that comes to light,” Moskaluk said.
There’s a $100,000 reward being offered for any information regarding Hajtamiri’s location. York police encourage anyone with details to reach out or contact Crime Stoppers.
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