Four people have been charged, including two 15-year-old boys, in connection with a kidnapping in Vaughan last month.
York Regional Police said a 24-year-old man was confronted by multiple suspects in a parking lot near Jane Street and Highway 7 on Nov. 14.
The suspects then allegedly forced the man into a vehicle and drove away.
“This prompted an extensive investigation with significant resources being immediately engaged,” police said in a news release.
Five days later, on Nov. 19, the victim was released in the area of Meadowvale Road and Sheppard Avenue in Toronto. Police said the victim had minor injuries when officers got to him.
Investigators on Wednesday executed search warrants at multiple homes in Toronto, resulting in four people being arrested.
Two of them have been identified as 31-year-old Shawn Dusome and 18-year-old Nathan Haskett.
They both have been charged with kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and arson. Haskett is facing additional charges of assault with a weapon and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The other suspects are 15-year-olds and cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and arson.
Police said they are still searching for additional suspects, but cannot say how many are outstanding. They also do not have descriptions.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.