BOLTON, Ont. — Ontario Provincial Police have arrested two people and issued a Canada-wide warrant for a third suspect in connection with a 2020 attempted murder in Vaughan and a 2021 homicide in Bolton.
In a news release Friday, the OPP Caledon detachment said the arrests stem from a pair of linked shootings targeting the same victim.
Two Connected Shootings: Vaughan (2020) and Bolton (2021)
The first shooting occurred on Nov. 12, 2020, around 6:30 p.m., when York Regional Police responded to reports of gunfire on Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan. One victim was shot and taken to hospital.
The second attack happened on Jan. 18, 2021, just after 12:30 p.m., at a home on Harvest Moon Drive in Bolton. Police say two suspects entered the residence and shot its two occupants — one of whom was the same victim targeted in the Vaughan shooting.
Inside the home, officers found 65-year-old Giovanni Costa of Bolton dead from gunshot wounds.
Two Arrested This Week
OPP say two men were taken into custody this week:
- Christopher Brown, 28, of Barrie
- Charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Discharge firearm with intent
- Possession of firearms contrary to prohibition order
- He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Orangeville on Thursday.
- Charged with:
- Neheniah Tirfe, 25, of Toronto
- Charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted murder
- He also remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Orangeville on Thursday.
- Charged with:
Province-Wide Warrant Issued for Third Suspect
Police have also issued a warrant for Waheed Barakziye, 48, of London, Ont.
He is wanted for:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
Barakziye is considered dangerous. Police urge the public not to approach him and to call authorities immediately if seen.
Investigators Believe He Fled Canada
OPP Detective Inspector Steven Martell told CP24 that police believe Barakziye has left the country, though his current whereabouts are unknown.
“We do believe that he’s not in the country, but we’re looking for any information from the public in locating him,” Martell said.
$50,000 Reward Offered
The Ontario government is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Barakziye’s arrest and conviction.
Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward.