Three youths face a combined 109 charges in connection with shootings at cinemas in Richmond Hill.
York Regional Police launched the investigation after a series of shootings were reported at a cinema in the area of East Beaver Creek and Highway 7. The first shooting occurred on May 17, 2024. The second occurred two days later on May 19. A third incident occurred on May 24. A fourth shooting occurred on June 29.
In all four incidents, there were no injuries, despite the cinema operating with patrons inside, police said in a news release.
On July 2, it was a reported that an elementary school in the area of 16th Avenue and Bayview Avenue was shot at overnight on June 30. There were no injuries.
During the course of the investigation, three youths —two age 15 and one age 16 — were identified in relation to the shootings. The youths have since been linked to numerous incidents, including threats of violence, in some cases with a firearm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assaults and thefts. These incidents occurred throughout Markham, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
At the time of the incidents, two youths were on separate release orders. The third was found to be breaching the conditions of his Youth Criminal Justice Act sentencing.
Click here for a full list of charges.
“It is extremely concerning that three youths were out on bail and committing criminal offences in our communities,” states Police Chief Jim MacSween. “Our bail system needs to address recidivist offenders who are one of the greatest threats to public safety.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
