Kidnapping and Firearm Charges Laid in Brampton Investigation

CanadiaNews Akhbar Canada – Investigators from the 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have laid charges against five people after a man was allegedly kidnapped, and a subsequent search warrant resulted in multiple firearms being located.

On Thursday, July 22, 2021, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the victim contacted police to report that he had just escaped from a residence after being forcibly confined for multiple days.

Multiple officers attended the area and located the residence that the victim was being held in, and attempted to arrest the suspects. The suspects in this incident refused to exit the residence and barricaded themselves inside of the home.

Numerous resources, including Crisis Negotiators, Incident Commanders, Criminal Investigations Bureau, Mobile Command Post, Aerial Support Unit, Tactical and Canine Units, and multiple officers from across the Region were utilized, with a goal of the safe apprehension of the suspects and to ensure the safety of the neighbourhood.

Just before 1 a.m., five occupants of the home were arrested.

“This was a violent crime that has undoubtedly caused traumatic injury to the victim. The professionalism, skill and patience displayed by the men and women of Peel Police in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion was outstanding,” said Marc Andrews, Deputy Chief of Community Policing Operations. “It also highlights our commitment to community safety and well-being, along with our persistence in apprehending offenders and bringing them before the courts to answer to their actions.”

A search warrant was subsequently conducted at the residence, and officers located two firearms within the home.

Preston Gunner, a 50-year-old man from Montreal, Quebec, has been charged with:

Forcible Confinement
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x2
Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

Anna Leblanc, a 21-year-old woman from Montreal, Quebec, has been charged with:

Kidnapping with the Intent to Cause a Person to be Confined or Imprisoned
Forcible Confinement
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x2
Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

Shannon Rasanayagam, a 22-year-old-man from Toronto, has been charged with:

Kidnapping with the Intent to Cause a Person to be Confined or Imprisoned
Forcible Confinement
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x2
Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

Evans Casmir, a 20-year-old man from Laval, Quebec, has been charged with:

Kidnapping with the Intent to Cause a Person to be Confined or Imprisoned
Forcible Confinement
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x2
Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

Stevens Estimable, a 23-year-old man from Montreal, Quebec, has been charged with:

Kidnapping with the Intent to Cause a Person to be Confined or Imprisoned
Forcible Confinement
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x2
Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

All of the suspects appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on July 23, 2021, to answer to the charges.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call investigators at the 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453–2121, extension 2233. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).