Home Invasion Arrests, Suspects Sought

Toronto Police officers have made two arrests, including one where a man pointed a handgun at an officer, and are seeking the public’s help in identifying two more suspects in a kidnapping and violent home invasion on December 3.

“While home invasions have dropped by close to 40 percent in Toronto this year compared to last year, they remain a serious concern for both police and residents,” Hold Up Inspector Kristy Smith said. “If you know something, please say something.”

On the night of December 2, a victim arrived at a friend’s home in the John Garland Blvd. area. A suspect vehicle pulled up, and three individuals approached him and, at gunpoint, forced him into the back seat of his own vehicle. For nearly an hour, they drove the victim around the Martin Grove Rd. and John Garland Blvd. area, demanding he contact the homeowner.

When they returned to the residence, both men were forced inside where a third victim was awoken. All three were held at gunpoint and one suspect produced a shotgun.

The suspects robbed the home of jewelry, clothing, cash, electronics and other items before fleeing in the suspect’s car, the Honda Civic and the homeowner’s Blue Ford F-150.

After the victims contacted police, 12 Division officers observed the stolen vehicles in the Weston Rd. and Hwy 401 area.

“Officers blocked the red Honda Civic with a scout car and the driver attempted to flee on foot,” said Superintendent Richard Harris at a news conference at police headquarters on December 4. “Before officers effected the arrest, the suspect is alleged to have pulled out a loaded firearm and pointed it at one of our officers. Officers were able to take the suspect into custody and, thankfully, no officers were injured.”

Shortly after, the other stolen vehicle was located and tracked to a dead-end street around Albion Rd. and Islington Ave.

“The vehicle charged a scout car, fled again and was ultimately stopped by officers from the Emergency Task Force and our K-9 unit at approximately 3 a.m.” Harris said. “After a short foot pursuit, a second individual was taken into custody.”

The 12 Division Unit Commander commended the officers for their diligence in apprehending the suspects.

“Home invasions are terrifying for victims who should feel safe in their own homes, and extremely dangerous for responding officers as suspects are often armed and unpredictable,” added Harris.

Due to the nature of the alleged offences, the Hold Up Squad is leading the investigation.

Jermain Smith 35, and Tajahan Kelly, 30, both of Toronto, are charged with kidnaping, robbery with a firearm and carjacking. Smith is also charged with pointing a loaded firearm at an officer. Kelly faces additional charges for two counts of failing to comply with release conditions and two counts of possessing a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.

“We are continuing to seek the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the other two individuals believe to be involved in the kidnapping and home invasion,” said Inspector Kristy Smith. “As a reminder, a third person was in the victim’s stolen Honda Civic during the kidnapping and another individual was driving the suspect car that arrived at the home with the suspects.”

The suspect directly involved in the kidnapping is described as a Black male. Police don’t have a description of the suspect vehicle or the driver.

Anyone with information about these individuals is asked to contact police at 416-808-1200 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Police are asking anyone with dashcam, home, or business camera footage to come forward for the following times and locations:

• 11:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.: Martin Grove Rd. and John Garland Boulevard.
• 1:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.: Weston Road and Highway 401, Crossroads Plaza, and Runnymede Rd. and St. Clair Avenue West.

“While home invasions have dropped by close to 40 percent in Toronto this year compared to last year, they remain a serious concern for both police and residents,” Smith said. “If you know something, please say something.”