A man who was wanted in connection with the kidnapping of Elnaz Hajtamiri has been arrested in the United States.
According to authorities, the suspect, identified as 38-year-old John Smith, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on Tuesday in the state of New York.
Hajtamiri, a 40-year-old woman from Toronto, was reported missing on December 10, 2020. She was last seen leaving her home in the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue area.
Police launched an investigation and determined that Hajtamiri had been kidnapped. They identified Smith as a suspect and issued a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.
After months of searching, Smith was located and arrested by U.S. Marshals. He is currently in custody and awaiting extradition to Canada.
Hajtamiri has been reunited with her family and is said to be in good health.
The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the U.S. Marshals for their assistance in locating and apprehending the suspect.
The investigation into the kidnapping is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Toronto Police Service or Crime Stoppers.
This arrest serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to bring justice to victims of crime, no matter where they may be.
