GTA carjacking ring used ‘extreme violence’ in month-long spree, police say
Toronto police have arrested two people in connection with a month-long carjacking spree in which the suspects reportedly engaged in extreme violence" and used firearms to attack victims across the GTA.
At a news conference Tuesday, police said 17 of 19 stolen vehicles have since been recovered, although some were found damaged or destroyed.
Most of the targeted vehicles were high-end models from brands such as Mercedes, Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen. The arrests were made through Project Tyga, and were executed with the assistance of York and Peel police services.
Police allege the accused would travel for kilometres on major highways searching for target vehicles to steal. In most cases, they'd wait for the drivers to get to their residences or at secluded intersections, before approaching them and forcing them to hand over the keys.
Police estimate the value of the vehicles obtained over this one-month crime spree" in the rage of $1-1.5 million, said Insp. Rich Harris, of the Toronto police Hold Up Squad.
The suspects used extreme violence towards the victims while committing these acts," Harris said. For the most part, the victims were minding their own business going about their regular routines, and (were) ambushed by these two violent individuals."
Police have also released videos showing some of the alleged carjacking incidents.
In one from March 30 at Yorkdale Mall, police allege that the suspects attempted to carjack a 2016 White Toyota Scion and were unsuccessful before proceeding to carjack a 2015 White Honda Civic in the same underground parking lot.
Another video appears to show two men carjacking a passing driver in broad daylight immediately following a collision inside a GTA intersection.
Yet another appears to show two men assaulting a target inside a parking garage before driving off with their luxury SUV.
Merrick Beddaoui, 22, and Christopher Ugochukwu, 19, were arrested on April 11 after police executed a search warrant at a Mississauga hotel. Police allege they recovered a loaded and modified Glock handgun, ammunition, stolen keys, victim identification and vehicle key reprogramming device.
They are facing multiple charges of robbery, robbery using firearms and other charges. Both of them are from Toronto.
Two Brampton women have also been arrested. Teianna Henry, 24, of Brampton, and Delisa Miller, 24, of Toronto, are facing various firearm-related charges.
Whether physically injured or not, we know that these types of crimes have an undeniable and traumatic effect on those involved," said Supt. Mike Barsky from Specialized Criminal Investigations.
Police say vehicle theft has been on the rise in Toronto and other cities across the GTA over the past several months.
Earlier this year, Toronto police reported a rash of thefts involving people who had left their car engines running to warm up during cold weather.
The increase in auto theft forced police Chief James Ramer to announce the restart of a $2.1 million centralized unit to specifically target organized crime groups profiting from the thefts.
A Toronto Star investigation last year also found that insurance premiums were significantly high for car brands often targeted by theft.
Insp. Harris said people should be aware of their surroundings, make sure their car doors are locked, and invest in dash-cam equipment whenever possible.
We remain steadfast in our resolve to continue to investigate these things to the fullest extent," he said.
Gilbert Ngabo is a Toronto-based crime reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @dugilbo