Man allegedly involved in Schomberg shooting removes GPS monitor, considered armed and dangerous

Ronald Mortaya-Cruz, aka Azul, is wanted by York Regional Police. (Supplied)

York Regional Police (YRP) are on the hunt for a man allegedly involved in the shooting of a 65-year-old man in Schomberg as he walked his dog in February 2023.

YRP say the shooting involved members of the Mara Salvatrucha street gang, known as MS-13, that was hired by an organized crime group to kill a man, but they targeted the wrong person. The victim was shot 13 times and survived.

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Police say Ronald Mortaya-Cruz, aka Azul, is facing charges of participating in activities of criminal organization.

They say that in May, following his bail release, the 43-year-old removed his GPS monitoring device. Mortaya-Cruz was last seen in the area of Keele Street and Grandravine Drive in Toronto.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

"All investigative avenues have been exhausted and his whereabouts remain unknown," police stated in a Thursday release.

Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous, and warn the public not to approach him, but rather contact the authorities or Crime Stoppers.

Mortaya-Cruz is five feet nine inches tall with a heavy build, short black hair, a long beard, and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his right hand, both forearms, and the left side of his neck.

Police noted he has connections to the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton.