Three Toronto men are charged with attempted murder in connection with the February drive-by shooting in Schomberg.
The victim, who is still recovering but expected to survive, was shot while walking his dog at about 8:40 a.m. Feb. 12, York Regional Police said in a news release.
Police later learned that the shooting was targeted but the victim was not the intended target.
The investigation revealed that the suspects, believed to be members of the Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13 street gang, were hired by an organized crime group to kill a man but they targeted the wrong person and the victim was shot instead, police said.
Between May 18 and June 1, search warrants were executed at various residences in Toronto and a total of eight people were charged. Three of them were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with this shooting.
Carlos Ricardo Gutierrez, 27, was arrested May 18 and faces 15 charges. Kenny Banchon Urbina, 30, was arrested May 18 and faces four charges. Carlos Pena Torrez, 34, was arrested May 31 and faces five charges.
The other five individuals arrested face various charges related to organized crime. A handgun, an AK-47 assault riffle with ammunition, and quantities of suspected cocaine and fentynal were seized during the execution of the search warrants.
Police believe there are people with information about the accused suspects who have not yet spoken with investigators and they are urging them to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact York Regional Police serious and organized crime bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6970. You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or going online.
