Peel police have busted what they’re describing as two “violent” criminal groups allegedly linked to 17 home invasions and jewelry store robberies that left several victims with life-altering injuries.
Police announced the results of the probe, dubbed Project Night Train, on Tuesday and said the incidents include over 60 victims, nine of whom are children.
The investigation focused on a string of incidents that occurred between May and December of 2024.
In one incident, on Oct. 15, 2024, police said three suspects forced their way into a Mississauga home and shot a victim in the chest following an altercation. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and later released.
In another incident a week later, police said two suspects followed victims into a home in Brampton, forced entry into the residence and demanded the keys to a luxury vehicle before driving over the victim, leaving them with life-threatening injuries. They are expected to survive.
Twelve arrests have been made so far, and one suspect, identified by police as 32-year-old Ali Mahdi, is wanted on a warrant, police said.
Of the 12 suspects currently in custody, six individuals were minors at the time of their arrests and cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Four of the suspects were on bail at the time of their arrests.
Police said there are “loose” connections between the two criminal groups, but nothing officially linking them.
Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich spoke at Tuesday’s news conference and said that of the over $2 million worth of property allegedly stolen by the suspects, nearly half has been recovered.