Peel Police Arrest All Three Suspects in Kidnapping Case

Three suspects involved in an alleged armed kidnapping of two young women have been apprehended by Peel Regional Police in Streetsville, Mississauga. The arrests follow a distressing incident that occurred on June 24, 2023, when the victims were approached by masked individuals who attempted to lure them into a vehicle. Police have confirmed that the suspects now face multiple criminal charges, including weapons offences, kidnapping, and assault.

The first suspect, Waleed Khan, aged 26, was arrested earlier and has been released on bail. He is facing an extensive list of charges, totaling 33, including a breach of previous court conditions. Despite the seriousness of these charges, Khan was granted bail with an electronic ankle monitor, a decision that has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system. Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Marc Andrews expressed frustration over the matter, noting that it is disheartening to see bail granted under such circumstances.

The two other suspects, Osman Azizov, 18, and Fahad Sadaat, 19, were arrested shortly after Khan. They will appear in court for bail hearings related to ten additional charges stemming from the incident. Andrews confirmed that all three suspects are charged with serious offences, including kidnapping and multiple weapons-related charges.

The incident unfolded around 22:00 local time when the two women were walking near Britannia Road West and Queen Street South. They were allegedly approached by the three suspects, who attempted to lure them into a light-coloured Audi SUV. Upon rejecting the offer, the victims fled, leading to a pursuit by the suspects. Reports indicated that at least one suspect may have been armed with a firearm, while another carried a knife. Fortunately, a passerby intervened, allowing the victims to escape unharmed.

Investigators initially faced challenges, starting their search with only a grainy image of the suspect vehicle. However, community support played a critical role in the investigation, with numerous tips aiding the police in their efforts. Andrews, who brings over 35 years of experience in policing, acknowledged the public’s concern about the gravity of the situation.

During a search of Khan’s residence, police recovered two loaded prohibited firearms, including an AR-style rifle and a pistol, both equipped with high-capacity magazines. Despite being on probation for prior violent offences and prohibited from possessing firearms, Khan’s release on bail has sparked debate about public safety and judicial practices.

Former police officer Ron Chhinzer criticized the system, questioning how a suspect facing such serious allegations could be released. He emphasized the potential danger posed by individuals like Khan, who has a history of violence.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the spotlight remains on the justice system’s handling of serious criminal cases. The Peel Regional Police have fulfilled their role in apprehending the suspects, but the community is left to wonder about the implications of lenient bail conditions for individuals charged with violent crimes. The coming court hearings for Azizov and Sadaat will further test the balance between justice and community safety in this troubling case.