A 19-year-old has been charged in connection with an armed kidnapping that took place in the parking lot of Vaughan Mills mall.
According to York Regional Police, the incident occurred on Monday evening around 7:30 p.m. A 21-year-old man was approached by two suspects, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The suspects then forced the victim into his vehicle and drove away.
The victim was able to escape from the vehicle and call for help. He sustained minor injuries during the ordeal.
Police were able to locate and arrest one of the suspects, a 19-year-old man from Toronto, on Tuesday. He has been charged with kidnapping, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The second suspect is still at large and is described as a Black male in his early 20s, approximately 6 feet tall with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and a black mask.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident to come forward. They are also urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed the incident to contact them.
The victim and suspects are believed to be known to each other and police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to public safety.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact York Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
