York Police Seek Suspect in Vaughan Synagogue Assault
The York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit is asking for the public's help to identify a male suspect following an assault that occurred at a synagogue in Vaughan on Saturday. The incident took place around 9:35 a.m. at a synagogue near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue. According to police, an unknown male attempted to enter the building but was denied access. He then tried to force his way inside.
The suspect threw a stack of papers at security personnel who prevented him from entering. Shortly after, a victim reported being assaulted by the same suspect while walking on the sidewalk near the synagogue. The suspect blocked the victim's path, and when the victim tried to walk around, they were assaulted and sustained facial injuries.
The suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion, between 25 and 35 years old, approximately 5-foot-8 tall. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a beige hooded jacket, a beige scarf, and white running shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552, or by email at hatecrime@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.1800222tips.com.
Other Incidents: Cannabis Theft, Child Sex Abuse, and Bank Robbery
Cannabis and Firearms Charges
Five men from the Greater Toronto Area have been charged by York Regional Police after recovering over $2 million in stolen cannabis products and two illegal firearms. On April 15, investigators in the area of McLaughlin Road and Highway 401 in Mississauga located a trailer reported stolen from the Niagara Region. The trailer contained a large amount of cannabis intended for delivery to dispensaries. Investigators observed and identified several males associated with the trailer and placed them under arrest. Two firearms were located during searches.
Manveer Singh, 21, of Brampton; Sarbjeet Singh, 32, of Brampton; and Jaiskavan Malhi, 23, of Brampton each face seven charges including theft, firearm, and trafficking-related offenses. Dilkhab Singh, 21, of Brampton and Karan Kumar, 25, of Hamilton face six charges each. Police believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police Auto Cargo Theft Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6651, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Child Sex Abuse Charges
York Regional Police have charged Christopher Conlon, 47, of Whitchurch-Stouffville with child sexual abuse and other offenses, and believe there may be more victims. On April 1, Peterborough Police began investigating a missing female youth who was last seen getting into a grey sedan. YRP investigators located the vehicle at a residence in Whitchurch-Stouffville on April 2. Concerned for the youth's well-being, they entered the residence under exigent circumstances. The youth was safely located, and Conlon was arrested. Search warrants were executed at two residences.
Conlon is charged with trafficking a person under 18 years, luring a child under 18 years, and three counts related to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. His photo has been released as police believe there are more victims. Anyone with information should contact the York Regional Police Counter Exploitation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800, or email HT@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers.
Burlington Bank Robbery
Halton Regional Police have charged Stephen Laing, 50, of Burlington following a bank robbery. On Tuesday around 9:55 a.m., a male suspect entered the Royal Bank at 2201 Brant Street and passed a note to a teller demanding cash, indicating he had a firearm. He obtained a small amount of cash and exited. Police quickly located and arrested the suspect outside the bank. All stolen cash was recovered, and a black BB gun was found in his possession. No one was injured. Laing is charged with robbery with a firearm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Anyone with information can contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2316, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
