Two unidentified men are sought for a frightening failed carjacking that unfolded in Markham. York Regional Police say officers responded to a carjacking call in a parking garage near Enterprise Blvd. and Birchmount Rd. – north of Hwy. 407 – around 8 p.m. on Aug. 31.
“The victim had just parked when she was approached by two males who demanded the keys to her vehicle,” Const. Lisa Moskaluk said in a statement Wednesday.
She said a struggle ensued between the victim and the two men but the would-be carjackers ended up fleeing without the victim’s vehicle.
The woman was not seriously injured, Moskaluk said.
The woman is seen backing into a parking spot and the carjackers immediately reverse into a spot beside the Mercedes.
The two men then accost the woman after she exits her vehicle. And she appears terrified as she falls to the ground while the two men grab at her.
The first man is described as Black with a thin build and was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black mask and black sneakers.
The second man is described as dark skinned with curly hair, a thin build and a tattoo on his right forearm. He was wearing a black-hooded sweater, white T-shirt, black pants and white sneakers.
The vehicle the men were driving was a white 2020 Honda Civic with Ontario licence plate CLCK150.
Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the wanted men, or the location of the suspect vehicle, is asked to call the Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
A Violent Encounter Caught on Camera
The incident, captured on surveillance footage released by York Regional Police, shows a woman parking her Mercedes SUV in a parking garage when two men approach her, demanding her keys. The video then depicts a harrowing struggle as the woman attempts to evade the suspects, who tackle her to the ground.
The suspects are seen fleeing the scene without the vehicle, leaving the victim shaken but thankfully unharmed. The incident has sparked concern among residents, highlighting the need for vigilance and safety precautions in parking garages and public spaces.
Suspects Sought, Public Appeal for Information
York Regional Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects. The first suspect is described as a Black male with a thin build, wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black mask, and black sneakers. The second suspect is described as a dark-skinned male with curly hair, a thin build, and a tattoo on his right forearm. He was wearing a black-hooded sweater, white T-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white 2020 Honda Civic with Ontario license plate CLCK150. Anyone with information is urged to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Taking Precautions to Stay Safe
In light of this alarming incident, police have advised the public to take precautions to ensure their safety while in parking garages and public spaces. These include:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Stay vigilant in public garages, parking lots, gas stations, and at controlled intersections.
- Keep your vehicle keys and house keys on separate key rings.
- Invest in GPS tracking or vehicle tracking services.
- Do not leave your vehicle running unattended.
- If you are the victim of a carjacking, avoid challenging the suspects, obtain the best descriptions you can, and call 911 when safe to do so.
A Reminder of Safety in the City
The Markham carjacking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety awareness and vigilance, not only in parking garages but also in public spaces. By taking precautions and reporting any suspicious activity, we can work together to ensure the safety of our communities.
