A man is facing charges after firing a gun to thwart car thieves in Vaughan, police say.
York Regional Police (YRP) say officers were called to a home on Pine Heights Dr. near Pine Valley Dr. and Teston Rd. in the City of Vaughan at 4:05 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, June 12. During a call with the complainant, the dispatcher heard a firearm being discharged.
When police arrived, they arrested four suspects attempting to steal a vehicle. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old male resident who fired the gun during the attempted robbery was located with the firearm and arrested.
Officers say no injuries were reported.
Police laid charges against Moses Newton Larmond, 20, of Brampton, Troy Boca Peart, 20, of Toronto, Nana-Yaw Kwarten, 22, of Mississauga and a 16-year-old boy from Pickering. They are facing charges of attempted break-and-enter, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Police say that the 16-year-old was out on bail for multiple outstanding charges, while Kwarten was on probation and has been charged with breach of probation. Additional charges may be laid as the investigation is ongoing.
Charges have also been laid against an unnamed 35-year-old Vaughan resident for discharging a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless storage of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon.
Following the incident, YRP Chief Jim MacSween spoke out against the current bail system.
“Once again, we’re seeing cases where individuals released on bail are involved in serious crimes within our communities,” MacSween said in a statement.
“To ensure public safety and protect our officers, we need a bail system that effectively addresses repeat violent offenders while maintaining public confidence.”
In a statement, YRP said it understands that incidents like this can spark fear and frustration in a neighbourhood.
“However, we want to make clear that discharging a firearm in a residential area is extremely dangerous,” police said in a news release.
“You risk hurting innocent people, including neighbours, your own family, or responding officers. Taking justice into your own hands is not the answer.”
One suspect is still outstanding. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
