Suspect wanted in 2021 attack on Elnaz Hajtamiri arrested in Texas: police

York Regional Police say 25-year-old Sukhpreet Singh, a suspect wanted in connection with an attack on Elnaz Hajtamiri, has been arrested in Texas.

York Regional Police say they have arrested a suspect in Texas who was wanted in connection with an attack on Elnaz Hajtamiri, a Richmond Hill, Ont., woman who has been missing since she was abducted in 2022.

York Regional Police say that 25-year-old Sukhpreet Singh, of Mississauga, was arrested last month with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement, and the Austin Police Department.

Hajtamiri was attacked and struck with a frying pan in an underground parking garage in the area of Yonge Street and Bantry Avenue on Dec. 20, 2021, police previously said.

According to investigators, the suspects in the attempted abduction fled in a vehicle and the woman was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Weeks later, on Jan. 12, 2022, police said Hajtamiri was abducted at around 8:30 p.m. from a Wasaga Beach residence by three suspects dressed in fake police gear. The suspects fled in a white Lexus RX SUV. Hajtamiri has not been located, investigators noted.

Four suspects were initially identified and charged in connection with the December attack on Hajtamiri, including her ex-boyfriend, Mohamad Lilo.

Three more suspects were arrested in connection with the assault and attempted kidnapping in 2023.

Singh was later identified as a suspect and a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest.

YRP said Singh was arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas in June. ICE San Antonio posted a video of his arrest on social media.

Singh was not handed over to the U.S. Marshal Service until Aug. 19, YRP said. On Sept. 30, he was extradited back to York Region, where he has been charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

He remains in custody, police said.

Investigators believe Hajtamiri was murdered and Lilo now faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with her death.

Investigators noted that a $100,000 reward exists for information leading to the whereabouts of Hajtamiri. Information can be provided to the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigators Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting the Crime Stoppers website.