Update - Third Suspect Charged in Vaughan and Toronto Synagogue Shootings

August 10, 2026 Media Release

The York Regional Police Firearms Investigations Team, along with the Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, have charged a third 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.

York Regional Police has previously announced that two suspects had been charged in relation to these incidents. Through the continued joint forces investigation, a third suspect was identified in relation to both incidents.

Investigators had previously charged the third suspect in connection with a shooting that occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at a residence in the area of Clubhouse Road and Pine Valley Drive. The suspect has now also been charged in connection with another shooting that occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in the area of Steeplechase Avenue and Beacon Hall Drive in the Town of Aurora.

Charged:

  • Chris PERREIRA, 23, of the City of Barrie

Charged:

  • Reckless Discharge of Firearm x4
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, over $5,000 x2
  • Mischief Related to Religious Property x2
  • Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x2
  • Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle x2
  • Possession of a Loaded Prohibited Firearm
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule I substance

There are no outstanding suspects related to the synagogue shootings.

The investigation remains 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.