York Regional Police (YRP) have charged two teenage males after a series of alarming rock-throwing incidents threatened public safety across Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
The suspects, identified as 18-year-old and 17-year-old males from Markham, are facing charges related to two separate rock-throwing incidents. The events have raised significant concerns among residents, as these reckless acts have resulted not only in property damage but also injuries.
According to the YRP, the most recent incident occurred on Sunday, January 26, 2025, when rocks were thrown at parked vehicles, particularly at the intersection of Stalmaster Road and Neeley Road. Both suspects have been charged with Mischief under $5,000 for their involvement. The 17-year-old faces an additional charge stemming from another incident last July, where he allegedly threw rocks at a moving vehicle near Highway 48 and Hoover Park Drive.
The rock-throwing spree has been under investigation since last summer, with police linking the teenagers to at least two incidents, one of which resulted in minor injuries when a rock passed through the window of a vehicle. "We know this is something very concerning for the public. This is far from being done — we are just getting started in terms of the investigation," commented Const. James Dickson of the YRP, stressing the commitment to increasing safety.
YRP's recent update revealed they are currently investigating 29 separate rock-throwing incidents throughout the region. This list of reported offenses has been steadily growing, with several injuries linked to previous rock-throwing occurrences. Notable among these was a crash on Highway 48 caused by rock impacts, sending two occupants to the hospital with life-threatening injuries back in September. Similarly, a GO Transit bus was also struck on the same highway last December, instigated by these reckless actions.
YRP is continuing its investigation and insists more charges may yet follow, as they sift through evidence and insights from the community. They have urged individuals with information about these incidents to step forward, assisting to mitigate threats to public safety. Residents can contact the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or share tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
The situation has undoubtedly stirred anxiety among residents. The unpredictable nature of such behavior poses serious risks to public safety as families and individuals go about their daily routines
Rock-throwing incidents, particularly when targeting moving vehicles, reflect not only poor judgment but also negligent conduct with potentially grave consequences. The risks associated with throwing objects at high-speed vehicles are significant, leading to crashes, injuries, and widespread concern.
Continuing investigations by the police suggest community members take these incidents seriously and recognize the need for vigilance. Heightened awareness can facilitate reporting suspicious behaviors and contribute to future safety measures. Authorities remain fully committed to unraveling the network of actions leading to these charges and addressing strategies for prevention.
Officials have emphasized collective vigilance as another helpful factor; community members should remain informed and proactive about any continuing incidents. Sharing information or observations with local authorities can help diminish these threats.
With the public’s assistance, YRP hopes to mitigate the rise of these dangerous incidents and reinforce the sense of security throughout Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
At this point, the police have made it clear: charges have been laid and the investigation is gaining momentum, but there’s still more work left to thoroughly resolve the associated dangers from this troubling trend. Residents are advised to keep communication channels open with law enforcement to combat these hazardous situations more effectively.