York police arrest three, seize guns in attempted home invasions

York Regional Police announced Wednesday the arrest of three men in connection with at least two armed home invasions in Vaughan last month.

Source: York Regional Police

York Regional Police announced Wednesday the arrest of three men in connection with at least two armed home invasions in Vaughan last month, where masked individuals with firearms were captured on video attempting to force their way into single-family homes. Two additional suspects remain at large.

Police say Project Timber began after two break-ins on Timber Creek Boulevard on Aug. 31 and Sept. 10. In both cases, multiple suspects allegedly forced their way inside armed with weapons, including a firearm in one incident. No physical injuries were reported.

A video of one alleged home invasion appears to show one of the suspects holding a handgun and using the butt of that weapon to strike a small window around the home’s front door. He eventually succeeds in breaking the glass and is seen reaching inside to unlock it.

The home’s occupants were screaming, demanding the intruders “get out of here,” moments before they entered.

Police said two adults and two children, ages six and nine, were in the home.

Investigators say the suspects fled in a dark-coloured SUV.

On September 16, officers located the vehicle near Yorkleigh Avenue and Scarlett Road in Toronto. Police allege five men exited the SUV and appeared to be preparing for another home invasion when officers intervened.

Three suspects were arrested in a nearby backyard, while two others fled on foot. Police say a loaded firearm was seized at the scene, along with the SUV, which was later determined to have been stolen in Toronto.

Those arrested have been identified as Zachary Boyce, 22, of no fixed address; Jacoy Montegue, 21, of Toronto; and Jaykell Watson, 22, of Ajax.

All three face multiple charges. Police say Watson is also facing drug-related charges following the execution of a search warrant at an Ajax residence.

Investigators say Boyce and Montegue were already subject to release orders in unrelated cases at the time of their arrests.

Police have released photos of the three men, saying they may be linked to other incidents in the Greater Toronto Area.

Authorities are asking residents in the Yorkleigh Avenue and Scarlett Road area to review their video surveillance and check their properties for anything unusual, as two suspects remain at large.