Four individuals, including two teenagers, face charges following a violent home invasion and kidnapping in the Greater Toronto Area on Monday morning. Among the accused is a 16-year-old boy from Caledon, who was already under a release order. A 21-year-old man, Shakir Bhatti from Ajax, has been released on bail.

York Regional Police responded to a call about multiple men breaking into a home near McCowan Road and 14th Avenue. The intruders informed the residents that a family member had been kidnapped. During the incident, a 54-year-old man was shot.

Police later discovered that the situation began about an hour earlier when suspects staged a car crash involving a 29-year-old woman from the same residence. As she assessed the damage after exiting her vehicle near McCowan and Highway 407, a second vehicle, described as an older model grey Dodge Caravan, approached. The occupants forced her inside and restrained her before fleeing.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene as the suspects attempted to escape. They arrested four individuals and seized a loaded firearm. A fifth male suspect, estimated to be between 18 and 25 years old, managed to evade capture. He was described as wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves.

In addition to the 16-year-old and Bhatti, Parkaran Panglia, 20, from Brampton, and a 17-year-old from Toronto were also arrested. All four suspects face multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, and possession-related offenses.

The kidnapped woman was later found in Toronto with minor injuries, and her vehicle was recovered nearby. This incident adds to a series of violent crimes in the GTA, which recently included two fatal shootings and an arson case.

In response to the rising crime rates, Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre commented on social media, criticizing the government’s handling of crime. He stated, "Four have been arrested … All enjoying the Liberal free ride for criminals. What has Carney done?"

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the hold-up unit or Crime Stoppers anonymously.