Police arrest 2 more suspects in Markham home invasion and kidnapping

Suspects Brendan Ghotra (left) and Masih Mohamed (right) are pictured in this composite image. (Handout /YRP)

Two additional suspects are facing charges in connection to a Markham home invasion, shooting and kidnapping, investigators say.

York Regional Police say they received reports on Sept. 1 that several suspects had broken into a residence at McCowan Road and 14th Avenue, where a 54-year-old man was shot. The victim suffered serious injuries.

Upon further investigation, officers learned a 29-year-old woman who also lives at the residence had been kidnapped at around 8 a.m. that morning, in the area of McCowan Road and Highway 407.

Police say that the female victim had been intentionally struck by one of the two suspect vehicles, which prompted her to stop and exit her vehicle to asses the damage. The second suspect vehicle, believed to be an older model grey Dodge Caravan, drove up next to the female victim. Police say a suspect then forced her into the minivan, where she was restrained and taken from the scene of the accident.

She was later located in Toronto.

Four of the suspects were arrested at the scene of the home invasion. Investigators said they found a loaded firearm at the time, as well as a police vest.

Police said Tuesday that the Hold-Up and Emergency Response Units executed search warrants at homes in Ajax and Brampton on Sept. 25 in connection with the case.

Two more suspects were taken into custody and a second loaded firearm and car master keys were also found, police said.

Brendan Ghotra, 21, of Brampton, is facing charges of attempt murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and possession of a prohibited device.

Masih Mohamed, 26, of Ajax, faces charges of robbery with a firearm, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession of a master key, fail to comply with release order, and breach of probation. Mohamed was on bail and under house arrest at the time of the alleged incident, police said.

Police have released photos of the two recently charged suspects, along with photos of the previously charged suspects, who they believe are responsible for additional offences. Investigators are asking any further victims to come forward.

The suspects previously charged are Shakir Bhatti, 21, of Ajax; Parkaran Panglia, 20, of Brampton; a 16-year-old male from Caledon and a 17-year-old male from Toronto. They face a number of charges including attempt murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, possession of restricted firearm knowingly not holding a license, possession of a prohibited device knowing no authority and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Police say Bhatti was released on bail in relation to this incident on Sept. 3. They are asking anyone with information to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit.