The York Regional Police Firearms Investigations Team and the Hate Crime Prevention Unit, along with the Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit (Hate Crime Unit), have charged a suspect in connection with March shootings at synagogues in the cities of Vaughan and Toronto.
On Friday, March 6, 2026, just before midnight, sounds of gunshots were reported in the area of Clark Avenue West and York Hill Boulevard. When York Regional Police officers arrived, they observed the front doors of a synagogue had been damaged by gunfire.
Two occupants, who were inside the synagogue at the time of the shooting, were not injured.
Just after midnight, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, Toronto Police Service officers responded to reports of gunshots at a synagogue in the area of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue. When officers arrived, they located damage to the synagogue’s front entrance consistent with gunfire.
No one was inside at the time of the shooting and no injuries were reported.
Following a lengthy joint forces investigation, investigators have identified and charged a suspect in relation to both incidents.
Charged: - 18-year-old Male, of No Fixed Address
| Charges: - Discharge Firearm into a Place x2
- Mischief to Property Over $5,000 x2
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possess Prohibited Device
- Careless Storage of a Prohibited Device
- Occupy Motor Vehicle with a Prohibited Device
|
The suspect is not being named as he was 17-years-old at the time of the offence.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Firearms Investigations Team by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
26-79384
May 6, 2026
