Two teenagers face murder charges, allegedly over a “crime spree” involving a tow truck: police

TORONTO – Toronto police say they have arrested two teenagers for a suspected murder and 11 other shootings. Investigators are linking the crimes to a violent turf war in the towing industry.

According to police, the two boys, aged 15 and 16, are charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 28-year-old man from Pickering, Ontario, who was shot while sitting in his car in Toronto's east end in early July.

The same boys from Oshawa and Stoufville are facing 154 charges in total, in what Police Chief Joe Matthews called a “series of violent crimes” that included 11 additional shootings and using three stolen vehicles between June 29 and July 14.

According to police, the tow truck task force also arrested a 17-year-old boy who was paid by a 33-year-old defendant and then ordered to shoot at two parked, unoccupied tow trucks.

At a press conference, Police Chief Myron Demkiw said a small portion of the tow truck industry had been “blighted by violence” related to an “ongoing territorial dispute.”

According to Chief of Staff Matthews, police believe criminals are taking advantage of young people because they can be lured with smaller amounts of money and face different consequences.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 21, 2024.

The Canadian Press