Several people have been arrested after Toronto police allegedly seized a loaded AR-15-style rifle and equipment allegedly used to steal vehicles in the city’s east end. In a news release, officials said members of the 31 Division were attempting to arrest a wanted man around 10:30 p.m. Sunday in the Dundas and Sumach streets area when the man and a youth fled on foot. Both were arrested after a brief foot pursuit, police said. During a search, police allege officers found a loaded AR-15-style rifle and 27 rounds of 5.56-calibre ammunition. Police say members of 51 Division later executed a search warrant at a residence in the same area. Following the search, police said they discovered seven automobile master keys and two programming devices designed to assist in vehicle thefts were seized. As a result, five additional people were arrested during the investigation. 20-year-old Kevin Joao of Toronto, faces numerous charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, 13 counts of possession of an automobile master key among others. A 16-year-old Toronto boy also faces similar firearm-related charges, along with seven counts of possession of an automobile master key and two counts of possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft. Jahmier Adams, 19, Lamario Reddick, 20, and Noah Lall, 18, all of Toronto, have each been charged with multiple counts related to possession of automobile master keys and devices allegedly used for vehicle theft. Two 16-year-old girls and one 17-year-old girl also face charges related to possession of automobile master keys and vehicle theft devices. None of the charges have been tested in court. The youths cannot be named under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to contact police at 416-808-3100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
