Home invaders open fire in latest King Township violence

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Gunfire erupted when four masked home invaders smashed their way into a house in King Township – the latest incident of violent crime plaguing the small community north of the GTA.

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York Regional Police say the frightening home invasion unfolded near Hwy. 27 and Lloydtown-Aurora Rd., in Schomberg, just after 11 p.m. on March 27.

“Four suspects, armed with at least one firearm, forced their way into a residence by smashing the rear glass door,” Const. Kevin Nebrija said in a statement released Wednesday.

“Once inside, a victim was confronted and a struggle ensued,” he said. “During the struggle, as many as four shots were fired.”

“Fortunately, no one was injured,” Nebrija added.

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He said the home invaders made no demands of the victim and they fled the residence without taking any property.

They were last seen driving off in a black SUV that was parked on Roselena Dr.

Investigators have released security camera video that shows the crooks – at least one of whom was armed with a handgun – breaking into the home through the patio doors.

It’s just the latest in a string of violent crimes that have occurred in the Township of King in recent months.

Armed home invaders broke into a house near Hwy. 27 and King Vaughan Rd., in Nobleton, then shot a woman and her two dogs – killing one of the pets – before trying unsuccessfully to set the residence on fire on Jan. 21.

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Bassam Mhaidat, 22, of Mississauga, was found dead on Feb. 16 inside a restaurant near Hwy. 27 and King Rd., in Nobleton, that was allegedly set ablaze deliberately. Saeed Alshoubaki, 22, of Mississauga, was subsequently charged with manslaughter and arson.

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On Nov. 4, 2024, there was a home invasion on Paradise Valley Tr., in Nobleton, in which a man was wounded by gunfire after rushing to the aid of his neighbours. Two males – described as Black, tall with a slim build, and wearing construction vests and hooded sweatshirts – fled that incident in a pickup truck.

A police cruiser and several other vehicles were smashed up by fleeing bandits – at least one of whom was armed with a gun – when cops interrupted a break-and-enter in progress at a house near Paradise Valley Tr. and Fairmont Ridge Tr., also in Nobleton, on Oct. 22, 2024.

Jasanthan Kandiah, 27, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with numerous related offences following that incident.

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A second suspect male got away.

Two gunmen shot up a house near Paradise Valley Tr. and Anderson Cove Tr., also in Nobleton, on Aug. 19, 2024.

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In a statement sent to the Toronto Sun following the home invasion in January, the Township of King’s Mayor Steve Pellegrini and Ward 2 Councillor David Boyd said “it’s upsetting that these crimes have occurred in our community.”

“While these incidents appear to be targeted, they have understandably caused worry among our residents,” they said. “York Regional Police have stepped up their efforts in Nobleton and continue to maintain a strong, visible presence. Despite these recent events, King Township continues to have one of the lowest crime rates in the GTA.”

The home invaders in the latest last break-in are all believed to be male and approximately six-feet-tall with thin builds.

And all four were wearing black clothing and ski masks.

Two of the males were wearing black shoes while one male was wearing white sneakers. The fourth male was observed wearing black and white sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of any of the four suspects is urged to call the Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette

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