Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have laid 109 charges against three youths following a lengthy investigation in the City of Richmond Hill.
The investigation was launched after a series of shootings were reported at a cinema in the area of East Beaver Creek and Highway 7. The first shooting occurred on May 17, 2024. The second occurred just two days later on May 19, 2024. A third incident occurred on May 24, 2024.
A fourth shooting occurred on June 29, 2024 at the same cinema and fortunately, in all four incidents, there were no injuries, despite the cinema operating with patrons inside.
On July 2, 2024, it was a reported that an elementary school in the area of 16th Avenue and Bayview Avenue was shot at overnight on June 30, 2024. There were no injuries.
During the course of the investigation, three youths were identified in relation to the shootings. The youths have since been linked to numerous incidents including threats of violence, in some cases with a firearm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assaults and thefts. These incidents occurred throughout the cities of Markham and Richmond Hill and in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
At the time of the incidents, two youths were out on separate release orders. The third was found to be breaching the conditions of his Youth Criminal Justice Act sentencing.
“It is extremely concerning that three youths were out on bail and committing criminal offences in our communities,” states Police Chief Jim MacSween. “Our bail system needs to address recidivist offenders who are one of the greatest threats to public safety.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable Kevin Nebrija
24-206378
December 12, 2024
