Three suspects were arrested and a fourth is wanted in a forcible confinement and extortion investigation involving a male victim in Brooklin, police said.
Between Friday, August 28, at approximately 5 pm, and Saturday, August 29, at about 11 am, the 48-year-old victim was held against his will, assaulted and extorted for money by four suspects. The victim said that he drove to a basement apartment on Queen Street in Whitby and while inside, he was accosted by the four parties and tied up.
The suspects demanded cash for his release. The male was beaten and was not allowed to leave. The victim was eventually able to free himself on Saturday morning and ran out of the home. He was located by a citizen who called police, said a police statement.
Three parties were arrested and police continue to look for a fourth suspect.
Investigators are advising that this was an isolated incident and not a random act.
Heidi Rauth, age 30, of Queen Street in Whitby has been charged with: Extortion; Forcible Confinement; Assault with a Weapon x3; Take Auto without Owner’s Consent; Robbery; Use Stolen Credit Card; Utter Death Threatsand Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
Grant Vandewalker, age 28, of Mill Street in Oshawa has been charged with: Extortion; Forcible Confinement and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
Jesse Cooper, age 35, of Overbank Drive in Oshawa has been charged with: Extortion; Forcible Confinement; Assault Causing Bodily Harm; Robbery; Utter Death Threats and Assault with a Weapon x3.
They were all held for bail hearings.
Anyone with new information about this case is asked to contact D/Cst. Ceranowicz of the DRPS Central West Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 at ext. 1832.