Police charge 18 people at illegal gaming house

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Police seized two handguns, a luxury vehicle, poker tables and $53,000 in cash as part of their investigation into an illegal gaming house in Richmond Hill.

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Police executed a warrant on a West Beaver Creek Dr. address and seized a 2018 Mercedes convertible worth $50,000, as well as the poker tables and cash.

A handgun was also allegedly seized from the business, and another was seized from a vehicle.

Two people were charged with keeping a common gaming house.

One of the two is facing additional firearms charges, and 16 others were charged with being found in a common gaming house.

Those charged, include John Margaronis, 43, of Toronto, who’s accused of keeping a common gaming house, and firearms offences. Damien Campbell, 46, of Toronto, is charged with keep a common gaming house.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

“York Regional Police remains committed to the safety and security of all York Region citizens. Illegal gaming houses operate in residential and commercial neighbourhoods and bring an unwanted criminal element to our community,” police said in a release.

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“Illegal gaming fuels organized crime and can lead to other ancillary crimes such as arsons, extortions, loan sharking, shootings and robberies.”

Women allegedly used pickup truck to steal ATM

Two women have been charged for allegedly using a pickup truck to steal an ATM machine in Oshawa.

Durham Regional Police said when officers were called to a parking lot in the Winchester Rd.-Simcoe St. area, a pickup truck took off, dragging an ATM into a cornfield.

When officers chased the pickup, a woman driving the vehicle got out and fled, according to the accusations. Police made an arrest a short time later.

Police also claimed a van found in the parking lot was stolen. A woman, who was allegedly in the vehicle, was arrested.

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Sabrina Warren, 30, of Clarington, is charged with possession of  property obtained by crime over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. 

Elisabeth McLaughlin, 33, of Whitby, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, disguise with intent, and theft over $5,000.

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Police look for five teens wanted in sex assault

York Regional Police are looking for five teenagers after a female youth alleged that she was sexually assaulted in Vaughan.

Police said that the victim was approached by five males, ranging in age from 15-18, on Sunday in the  Norwood Ave.-Jane St. The complainant told police they brought her to a secondary location where she was sexually assaulted.

Officers urged anyone with information to call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071.

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Two arrested after stabbing in Oshawa

Two men face charges following a fight in which one of them was stabbed.

Durham Regional Police said one man was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries after the fight on Monday morning in the Bond-Simcoe Sts. area.

Both of the alleged combatants were taken into custody.

Wisam Khalifa, 26, of Whitby, is charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, robbery, and breach of probation.

Skylar Collingham, 33, of no fixed address, is charged with possession of weapon dangerous to the public and assault with a weapon.

Man sought for voyeurism in east end

A 52-year-old man accused of watching a woman through the window of her east-end home is sought by police.

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In a news release issued on Tuesday night, Toronto Police said officers responded last Friday at about 10 p.m. to a “suspicious incident” in the Leslie-Queen Sts. area.

Police said a woman saw the accused allegedly watching her through a window and a man from the home went outside to confront the suspect, who fled the area on a bicycle.

George Braid is wanted for voyeurism, criminal harassment and failing to comply with conditions.

He was wearing a black hoodie with a grey undershirt, black pants, black shoes and glasses. He was riding a dark bicycle.

Police are appealing to the public to come forward if they witnessed this incident or captured it on video.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-5500, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.

– with files from Toronto Sun staff

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