The province’s police watchdog is investigating following the arrest of a man and two youths connected to a violent carjacking and shooting in Richmond Hill.
York Region Police responded just before midnight on June 12 to a report of a carjacking at a plaza parking lot near Highway 7 East and Leslie Street.
According to investigators, three individuals were entering a vehicle when two men approached, brandished a firearm, and demanded the keys. A struggle ensued, during which the firearm was discharged, injuring one victim in the leg. The suspects then fled in the victim’s car, joined by a third suspect driving a red Honda CR-V.
The victim sustained minor injuries and received treatment.
With assistance from the Air Support Unit, police located both vehicles and apprehended the three suspects. A firearm was recovered during the arrest, though one suspect was injured, prompting an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit.
Joseph Campanion, 18, of Ajax, along with two 17-year-olds from Ajax and Whitby, now face eight charges including discharging a firearm with intent, robbery with a firearm, and possession of a loaded firearm.
Police noted that Campanion and one youth were on probation for unrelated offences at the time of the incident.
Authorities believe the suspects may be linked to other recent robberies and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
