Suspects from GTA 'directly linked' to Ont. woman Elnaz Hajtamiri's kidnapping case
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) released a series of new images of people they say are wanted as suspects in the disappearance of an Ontario woman allegedly abducted in Wasaga Beach more than one year ago.
Police say Elnaz Hajtamiri was forcibly dragged from a Trailwood Place home on January 12, 2022, where she had been hiding out with family following a violent assault in Richmond Hill weeks earlier.
On Thursday, police released new images, adding the three suspects, two men and one woman, are "linked directly to the kidnapping."
OPP says the images were taken in Quebec, but the investigation shows the three are from Ontario.
"I would like to stress we certainly believe that while taken in Quebec, we believe strongly that they are from the Greater Toronto Area," said OPP Det. Insp. Martin Graham in an interview with CTV News on Thursday.
Investigators seek the public's help in identifying the suspects and ask anyone with information to contact the police.
"There's no indication that any of the suspects that we've asked the public to identify in this particular release would be immediately dangerous to the public, but we would encourage anybody that views these images, that recognizes them to contact the police," Graham added.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Additionally, police released images of one, potentially two individuals of interest who rented vehicles in Toronto in December 2021.
Police say this person(s) is not a suspect in the alleged kidnapping, but they would like to speak with the individual(s), noting it could lead to information relevant to the case.
Graham said police working the case believe there are more people with information on what happened 400 days ago when Hajtamiri disappeared.
"I've always maintained that there are a number of people who know why Elnaz was kidnapped, how she was kidnapped, and the manner she was kidnapped in. There are many people we believe would know that information. We're asking for anybody to come forward," he said.
Ontario Provincial Police release images of three suspects believed to be involved in the alleged abduction of Elnaz Hajtamiri on Jan. 12, 2022. (Police handout)
Hajtamiri's former boyfriend faces criminal charges in connection with the alleged abduction and Richmond Hill assault.
In a statement to CTV News, the family said it is "thankful to the OPP for their non-stop work to bring Elnaz home. Please help them solve this case."
"My sympathies, my thoughts go with them," Graham said. "Another day has gone by without them knowing the answers they so richly deserve of knowing where she is and why this happened to an innocent daughter, niece, and sister."
Anyone with information about these individuals is asked to contact the OPP or the dedicated TipLine at 1-833-728-3415.
"If you know the location of where Elnaz is, please come forward. There is a reward," he continued.
A $100,000 joint OPP and York Regional Police reward is available for anyone with information about Hajtamiri's whereabouts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadians want revenge on Bernardo, but that's not how prison works: ex-official
One of the architects of the law that governs Canada's prison system says it's understandable people want revenge on killer and serial rapist Paul Bernardo, but that's not what the prison system is designed for.
Prince Harry back in court for second day of grilling over U.K. tabloid claims
Prince Harry was back in the witness box at the High Court in London on Wednesday for a second day of grilling over his allegations that British tabloids targeted him with phone-hacking and other unlawful behaviour.
Have questions about the wildfires spreading across Canada? We want to hear from you
Wildfires currently burning across parts of Canada are some of the most severe ever witnessed, and experts say the 'unprecedented' fire season will become the new normal. CTVNews.ca wants to hear from Canadians with questions about wildfires, including their health impacts and how to stay safe.
Bank of Canada to announce interest rate decision this morning
The Bank of Canada is set to announce its interest rate decision this morning as speculation about another rate hike heats up.
Canadian forest fire centre responds to unprecedented wildfire season
With 415 active wildfires across the country as of Tuesday afternoon, and 238 were considered out of control, it has meant long hours for people working at the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre trying to figure out where firefighters and equipment are needed most at any given time.
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure': Experts say a national fire service could help battle wildfires
During a record-setting wildfire season, experts say prevention of more disasters is important, citing a Canada-wide fire service could help mitigate blazes.
Pope Francis to undergo intestinal surgery under general anesthesia
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for intestinal surgery Wednesday, the latest malady to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed two years ago.
Tim Hortons to launch credit card through mobile rewards app
Tim Hortons is launching a credit card that can be used through its mobile app, the latest move into an increasingly competitive rewards space.
5 things to know for Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Special Rapporteur David Johnston will launch foreign interference hearings in July, travellers from 13 more countries are now eligible to visit Canada without a visa, and rent across Canada climbs.
Atlantic
-
Barrington Lake wildfire 'being held,' not expected to move weather permitting
A record-size wildfire in Shelburne County, N.S., isn’t likely to move if conditions don't change, officials say.
-
'They lost everything': Halifax evacuees grapple with new normal
Officials gave the outside world its first look inside the destruction from the Halifax-area wildfires Tuesday.
-
Nova Scotia estimates up to 100,000 people affected by online security breach
As many as 100,000 Nova Scotians may have had sensitive personal information stolen in a global privacy breach affecting a file transfer system used by the provincial government, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Montreal
-
Canadians want revenge on Bernardo, but that's not how prison works: ex-official
One of the architects of the law that governs Canada's prison system says it's understandable people want revenge on killer and serial rapist Paul Bernardo, but that's not what the prison system is designed for.
-
Westmount nail salon targeted by suspected arson: Montreal police
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating a case of suspected arson after a nail salon in Westmount caught fire early Wednesday morning.
-
Quebec wilderness outfitters hit hard by fires and forest access ban
Quebec's massive wildfires have forced most of the province's wilderness outfitters to shut down during one of their busiest seasons. While some have been closed due to active fires, dozens of others have been forced to cancel reservations by a government order limiting access to forests in much of the province.
Ottawa
-
Special Air Quality Statement
Special Air Quality Statement | Wildfire smoke blankets Ottawa for a third day
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Ottawa, with the air quality at 10+ "very high risk" at 8;30 a.m.
-
Ottawa plans to hire 120 new paramedics after record 1,806 'Level Zero' events in 2022
The city of Ottawa is looking to hire 120 new paramedics over the next three years, as the service deals with a record number of 'Level Zero' events, paramedics wait longer to transfer patients in hospitals and the service sees "unprecedented increases" in call volumes.
-
After years of delays, ground breaks on the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa
It's the opening act, with guitar-shaped shovels in the ground for the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.
Toronto
-
Air quality in Toronto to reach 'high risk' level due to Ontario, Quebec wildfire smoke
The air quality in Toronto has become so polluted due to forest fires in Quebec and Ontario that strenuous outdoor activities could leave you coughing and with an itchy throat.
-
Fatal crash closes lanes on Hwy. 404 north of Toronto
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a crash on Highway 404 this morning that left one male dead.
-
3 people attacked by dog in Burlington, animal shot dead by police
A dog has been shot dead by police after three people were attacked in Burlington Tuesday afternoon, police say.
Kitchener
-
Wildfire smoke from Quebec, northern Ontario lingers in K-W
A haze is lingering in the air and there’s a faint smell of smoke in areas across southwestern Ontario as wildfires continue to burn in Quebec and northern Ontario.
-
Plan to build tallest towers in Kitchener sees pushback at neighbourhood meeting
The plan to build what would be the tallest towers in Kitchener came under the scrutiny of those who would be living nearby.
-
OPP turn to Six Nations residence in search for Amber Ellis
The search for Amber Ellis, a Hagersville woman reported missing in March 2021, is returning to the community where she was last seen.
London
-
'Widespread smoke' prompts special air quality statement
As wildfires continue to burn in Northern Ontario and Quebec, a special air quality statement has been issued for London and surrounding areas.
-
'We are trying to get to Grand Bend': G2 driver charged after travelling 60 km/h over the speed limit
An 18 year old from Kitchener, Ont. is facing stunt driving charges after OPP clocked them allegedly speeding 150 km/h because they were 'trying to get to Grand Bend.'
-
Vigil for Afzaal family hears Islamophobia promises made by province and feds still unfulfilled
Two years after four members of the Afzaal Family were killed in an apparently deliberate attack, words haven’t always translated into action.
Northern Ontario
-
3 people attacked by dog in Burlington, animal shot dead by police
A dog has been shot dead by police after three people were attacked in Burlington Tuesday afternoon, police say.
-
Emergency orders expanded in northeast Ont. due to forest fires, evacuation west of Sudbury
While firefighters get more forest fires under control in northern Ontario, travel restrictions declared under an emergency order are being expanded in several communities, including immediate evacuation orders for an area west of Sudbury.
-
Two winning tickets sold for Tuesday's $70 million Lotto Max jackpot
Two lucky lottery ticket holders in British Columbia and Ontario will split the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot.
Windsor
-
Body of missing teen found by Windsor police
According to Windsor police, Gabrielle Vinall's body was found and identified in the Fighting Island area.
-
Man arrested, charged with assaulting a police officer
Just before 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, officers responded to a traffic complaint on Lorne Avenue from callers who said a man was following them.
-
OPP investigating $50,000 jewelry theft
OPP are investigating the theft of $50,000 worth of jewelry from a home in Tecumseh. Around 10 p.m. on May 20, police say someone entered a home on Northfield Way and took the jewelry.
Calgary
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Emergency crews called to crash on Highway 2 south of Calgary
At least one person is in life-threatening condition following a crash on Highway 2 south of the city, officials have confirmed.
-
Heat warning in place for Calgary and surrounding areas
It's going to get hot in Calgary and several other communities, Environment and Climate Change Canada is warning.
-
Cenovus fined after wastewater release from former Husky-owned pipeline
Cenovus Energy is facing a fine over a release of wastewater into a wetland.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon bakery sees business rise after hiring newcomers from Ukraine
A willingness to hire newcomers to Canada has brought new business to Nestor’s Bakery.
-
City emails reveal how a Saskatoon shelter was relocated and shed light on early concerns
While Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) publicly mulled moving its downtown emergency shelter to a location on 20th Street near the city's core, city documents reveal the wellness centre's present Fairhaven area location was heavily favoured early in the process.
-
Powerful Sask. storm winds rip barn off foundation, destroy grain bins
A farmer near the village of Goodsoil says wind storms that tore through northwestern Saskatchewan on Monday nearly sucked his father out of the house.
Edmonton
-
'We never give up': RCMP helicopter joins search for 14-year-old boy in North Saskatchewan River
An RCMP helicopter is assisting with the search for the 14-year-old boy who went missing in the North Saskatchewan River nearly 48 hours ago.
-
Canadian forest fire centre responds to unprecedented wildfire season
With 415 active wildfires across the country as of Tuesday afternoon, and 238 were considered out of control, it has meant long hours for people working at the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre trying to figure out where firefighters and equipment are needed most at any given time.
-
Winless at home in two straight seasons, Elks embracing culture change in 2023
Culture change. Those two words best describe what the Edmonton Elks wanted to accomplish going into the 2023 season.
Vancouver
-
B.C. prepares for fire evacuations, displacements amid healthcare staffing crisis
The officials tasked with preparing for and responding to natural disasters in the province are bracing for widespread evacuations of B.C. communities amid tinder-dry conditions that are already prompting dire wildfire predictions.
-
Drinking alcohol will be allowed in some Burnaby parks this summer
Visitors will be able to legally drink booze in some Burnaby parks starting June 23, as city councillors voted in favour of an alcohol in parks pilot project on Monday.
-
Vancouver lifeguard shortage not to blame for reduced West End pool hours, park board says
The chair of the Vancouver Park Board says he has received several complaints since expanded hours at Second Beach Pool went away.