Four people — including two teenagers — have been charged following a violent home invasion and kidnapping in the Greater Toronto Area that began with a staged car crash early Monday.
Among the accused is 16-year-old boy from Caledon, who was already under a release order, and 21-year-old Shakir Bhatti of Ajax, who has since been released on bail. Also charged are 20-year-old Parkaran Panglia of Brampton and a 17-year-old from Toronto.
York Regional Police say the incident began when suspects deliberately rammed the vehicle of a 29-year-old woman as she drove near McCowan Road and Highway 407. As she exited her vehicle to assess the damage, a second vehicle — described as an older grey Dodge Caravan — arrived and the occupants forced her inside. She was restrained and driven away.
Roughly an hour later, multiple suspects stormed her home near McCowan Road and 14th Avenue, telling residents their family member had been kidnapped. During the invasion, a 54-year-old man was shot.
Police responded quickly, intercepting the suspects as they attempted to flee. Four suspects were arrested on the scene, and a loaded firearm was recovered, along with a stolen vehicle believed to be linked to the earlier crash. The kidnapped woman was later found in Toronto with minor injuries, and her vehicle was recovered nearby.
A fifth suspect, described as a male aged 18 to 25 wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves, remains at large. Investigators believe additional suspects may be involved and are continuing their search.
All four individuals arrested now face serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, and disguise with intent, in addition to weapons-related offenses.
This high-profile case comes amid a string of violent crimes in the GTA, including two fatal shootings and an arson incident over the weekend. The recent crime wave drew political commentary, with Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre criticizing federal policies on crime in a post on X.
“Four have been arrested … All enjoying the Liberal free ride for criminals. What has Carney done?” Poilievre wrote.
