Charges in drive-by cinema shootings laid, more suspects wanted after theatre shot in Brampton
Published May 3, 2024 at 12:12 pm
One man has been charged but police are still on the hunt for suspects in a string of drive-by shootings at cinemas across the GTA, including one in Brampton linked to a South Asian movie pulled from theatres.
The shootings all happened in the overnight hours of Jan. 23 with Peel Regional Police responding to a call about shots fired at a cinema on Great Lakes Drive in Brampton.
Investigators with York Regional Police say theatres in Richmond Hill, Scarborough and Vaughan were also targeted. No injuries were reported as police said the cinemas were closed at the time of the attacks.
Reports linked the violence to a group trying to stop some South Indian-language movies from being shown in favour of other films. Theatre chain Cineplex pulled the 2024 South Indian film “Malaikottai Vaaliban” from theatres just one day after police in York said the theatre shootings in multiple cities were connected.
The movie is the story of “an undisputed warrior” who “transcends time and geographies, triumphing over every opponent he encounters,” according to the film’s synopsis on IMDB.com.
Last month police put out a video of the Vaughan shooting captured by security cameras showing a silver pickup truck investigators said was linked to the shootings.
Videos
Police say the vehicle is believed to be a silver 2019 Dodge Ram pickup, and police are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or any of the shootings to contact investigators.
Police now say a 27-year-old man from Markham was arrested on Tuesday and charged with multiple offences including four counts of discharge firearm, two counts of mischief over $5,000 and one count of conspiracy.
Andrew Douglas, 27, of Markham has been hit with 24 charges by York Regional Police. Police have not said when the accused is scheduled to make a court appearance.
Investigators say there are still additional suspects linked to the shootings and the investigation is ongoing.
The vehicle seen in the Vaughan shooting is believed to be a silver 2019 Dodge Ram pickup, and police are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or any of the shootings to contact investigators.
Police are asking anyone with information on these shootings, the suspect vehicle or anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the areas to contact Peel Regional Police at 905-453-2121, or York Regional Police at 1-866-287-5025 ext. 7241. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
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