August 8,2025
RED FM News Desk
York Regional Police have charged a foreign national and are searching for at least two other suspects in connection with a violent jewelry distraction robbery in Richmond Hill.
The incident happened on Friday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m. Police were called to a plaza parking lot near Yonge Street and Canyon Hill Avenue following reports of a collision in which a pedestrian was injured. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the victim, a 78 year old woman, had been assaulted during a distraction robbery targeting her jewelry.
According to investigators, the suspect fled in a white 2024 Nissan Rogue before officers reached the scene. A video capturing the incident has been released and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/PzrzstjbOtE.
Through the course of the investigation, police identified the driver of the vehicle as Radu Oracel, 35, of Toronto. Two other suspects;a man and a woman who were also in the vehicle,remain unidentified. The rental vehicle used in the incident has since been returned.
Authorities believe Oracel is part of a criminal network of foreign nationals operating in York Region with the intent to commit crimes. Police has released his image to the public, expressing concern that other victims may not yet have come forward.
Oracel is charged with robbery and dangerous operation. Investigators are appealing to the public for information that could help identify his accomplices or link him to other crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7244. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS
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