Police in York Region said an arrest warrant has been issued for an alleged gang member wanted for an attempted murder in Schomberg last year.
York Regional Police said its organized crime unit issued the warrant for 43-year-old Ronald Mortaya-Cruz for three counts of failing to comply with a release order.
In June 2023, Mortaya-Cruz was charged with two counts of participation in activities of a criminal organization as a result of Project Rebellion, an investigation into an attempted murder in Schomberg, 60 kilometres north of Toronto.
The investigation alleged members of Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, were hired by an organized crime group to kill a man in February 2023, but the suspects targeted the wrong person and shot the victim instead. Police said the victim survived and continues to recover from his injuries.
Police said, between May 18 and June 1, 2023, search warrants were executed at various Toronto locations. Shortly thereafter, eight people were charged including Mortaya-Cruz, who was released on bail and placed on conditions, including the requirement to wear a GPS monitoring device.
According to police, investigators learned on May 11, 2024, that Mortaya-Cruz removed his GPS monitoring device and he was last seen in the area of Keele St. and Grandravine Dr. in Toronto.
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Mortaya-Cruz, also known as Azul, is described as 5-foot-9 with a heavy build, short black hair, a long black/grey beard, brown eyes, tattoos on his right hand, both forearms and the left side of his neck and has connections to the GTA and Hamilton.
He is considered armed and dangerous and if seen, authorities say do not approach but contact local police or Crime Stoppers instead.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6970, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at 1800222tips.com.