A bold attempt at an armed carjacking in the Greater Toronto Area met a swift and decisive end thanks to the rapid response of York Regional Police, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a firearm.
Swift Police Action Halts Alleged Crime
The incident unfolded on the evening of Friday, January 2, 2026. At approximately 6:45 p.m., police were called to a residential area near Daffodil Avenue and Doncrest Drive in Richmond Hill. According to authorities, a victim had pulled into a driveway when he was blocked in by another vehicle. He was then confronted by a suspect brandishing a firearm.
The victim, demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, managed to escape the dangerous situation and immediately contacted police. Constable James Dickson of the York Regional Police noted that the victim provided excellent descriptions of the suspects and their vehicles, which proved crucial to the subsequent operation.
A Series of Unfortunate Events for the Suspects
Police units responded with speed, arriving on the scene quickly enough to prevent the thieves from driving away with the targeted vehicle—a 2023 GMC pickup truck. The situation for the alleged carjackers then deteriorated rapidly.
“The original vehicle they arrived in conked out,” Constable Dickson stated. Suddenly on foot, the two suspects attempted to flee the area. However, their escape was cut short by responding officers who know the local geography well. The deployment of a police canine unit sealed their fate, ensuring neither suspect could outrun the law.
Both individuals were captured and arrested at the scene. During a search of the area, police successfully located and retrieved a firearm believed to have been used in the crime.
Charges Laid Against Toronto Men
The two men now face a series of serious charges. They have been identified as Jinquan Shen, 33, and Jett Cortez De Guzman, 38, both of Toronto.
Each man has been charged with:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Possession of a restricted firearm
- Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence
- Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
Additionally, Cortez De Guzman was charged with driving while under suspension. Both accused were also charged with breaches of their probation orders. It is important to note that these charges have not been proven in court.
The successful intervention by York Regional Police highlights a positive start to the new year for local law enforcement. The force has recently reported a 35% year-over-year decrease in auto thefts within the region, and this incident demonstrates their continued proactive stance against such crimes. The collaboration between a vigilant citizen, effective 911 communication, and rapid police deployment prevented a violent crime from being completed, ensuring the alleged perpetrators will answer for their actions in a court of law.
