18 arrested in string of Toronto-area home invasions, robberies, and carjackings: police

Police say 18 suspects arrested in connection with a string of violent home invasions, carjackings and robberies in Peel Region are connected to an 'organized criminal network' operating out of Brampton and Mississauga.

Police say 18 suspects arrested in connection with a string of violent home invasions, carjackings and robberies in Peel Region are connected to an “organized criminal network” operating out of Brampton and Mississauga.

During a news conference on Tuesday morning, Peel Regional Police announced the results of Project Warlock, a six-month investigation into more than a dozen home invasions, armed robberies, and carjackings in the region.

In total, 150 criminal charges have been laid in connection with the case, police said. The charges include robbery, disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime, and breach of probation. Two of the 18 charged in connection with Project Warlock were young offenders, police said.

Police said between November 2023 and January 2024, officers investigated eight violent robberies in Brampton, including home invasions, carjackings, and commercial robberies.

During one home invasion, police said, a victim sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg.

“The initial investigation into these eight incidents identified an organized criminal network based in Brampton and Mississauga as being responsible for these robberies,” Det. Allan Dean told reporters on Tuesday.

The cases were linked, police said, through “extensive video canvasses,” physical evidence, as well as forensic evidence.