ON Monday, April 18, at approximately 3:50 a.m., a male attended a residence in the area of Woodward Avenue and Centre Street North in Brampton. An argument ensued between the victims and the male, who allegedly assaulted the two victims with a hammer and then fled the area. Neither victim sustained any physical injury.
Then just after 5:30 a.m., police attended a business in the area of Bovaird Drive and Mountainash Road in Brampton regarding an alleged carjacking with a weapon. A man entered a running vehicle, and upon the victim’s return to his car, the man pointed what was believed to be a firearm in the victim’s direction. The weapon was later confirmed to be a hammer. The man then fled the area in the stolen vehicle.
The victim did not receive any physical injuries.
Shortly after 8 a.m., the victim’s vehicle was located at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton Gurdwara, in the area of Derry Road and Airport Road, Mississauga. At this time, the male was seen entering the gurdwara. Police searched the building and located and arrested a male matching the description. Manpreet Singh, 33, of Brampton, is charged with the following offences:
- Assault with a weapon (two counts)
- Robbery
- Breach of probation
- Fail to comply with court order.
The accused was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Police said that at this stage of the investigation, it is believed to be an isolated incident and does not appear to be a targeted. There is no concern for public safety.
“I would like to thank the Peel Regional Police for their quick action to bring this potentially dangerous situation to a safe conclusion this morning, with the safety of our community and our congregation in mind. The relationship we have established with the police allowed us to work together to apprehend the individual without incident,” said President Daljit Singh Sekhon of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton.
Peel Police said they ill continue to offer reassurance and provide additional support to the community.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call investigators at 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 2133. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.