Second teen arrested in carjacking theft of man in his 70s

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A second teenager has been arrested in connection to a carjacking that happened in Etobicoke last week.

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A 17-year-old boy was arrested late Monday and was charged with robbery with a firearm, and disguise with intent.

The charges stem from an incident May 11 where a man in his late 70s was robbed of his Jeep Wrangler standing outside his vehicle in a parking lot near Millwick Dr. and Islington Ave.

According to police, three males approached the victim.

One of them brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s keys which were inside the Jeep.

The armed male entered the vehicle and drove away.

But as he drove off, the Jeep struck a light pole in the parking lot and then the driver crashed as he turned onto the street.

Three people fled on foot after the vehicle crashed.

The first suspect is a 15-year-old boy who also faces the same charges.

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Police say officers found a replica handgun inside the Jeep Wrangler.

The suspects cannot be identified because of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

That carjacking happened not far from where Leafs superstar Mitch Marner, 25, was robbed of his Range Rover Monday night in the parking lot of a cinema near the Gardiner Expressway and Islington Ave.

Marner and a woman in her 20s were uninjured during the gunpoint robbery.

His Leaf teammates were shocked by the incident and just grateful that he is OK.

Investigators said they are working ‘feverishly’ on the case.

But the head of the hold-up squad said there has been a big surge in carjackings so far in 2022.

There have been 60 so far – compared to 59 for all of 2021.

Inspector Richard Harris told reporters Tuesday the holdup squad has made 20 arrests in those incidents.

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Some of those arrested have been linked to multiple carjackings.

With the increase in cases, Harris said there are more uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling in “hotspot areas” across the city.

Harris identified the west end as an area getting extra attention from police.

Police also offered safety tips for drivers and car owners.

“If someone attempts to steal your car please give it up. Do not resist. Do not argue or fight. Your safety is worth more than your car.” Insp. Harris said.

“Keep doors locked at all times. If you feel threatened sound your alarm and call 911.”