Toronto police have explained why a suspected home invader was allowed to leave hospital after officers questioned him about a violent attack on a millionaire chief executive and his family.
Daijohn Richards, 23, is accused of being one of three masked men who broke into David Morton’s home in Toronto’s affluent Bridle Path neighbourhood. Richards was later treated for a gunshot wound to his shoulder, but police say they did not yet have sufficient evidence to arrest him.
By the time forensic work and neighbourhood inquiries connected him to the attack, he had been discharged and was no longer at the hospital. A Canada-wide warrant has since been issued for his arrest.
Why Toronto police did not arrest the suspected home invader
Police said Richards arrived at St Joseph’s Health Centre shortly after the home invasion. Hospital staff notified officers because Ontario law requires police to be informed when patients are treated for gunshot wounds.
Inspector Kristy Smith said officers had “numerous interactions” with Richards, but investigators had not established the reasonable grounds required for an arrest.
“We arrived at the hospital, we made an investigation, and I know the question is going to come about, ‘Why did we not arrest him at the time?’” she said.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Toronto Police acknowledged the questions over their handling of the case and said detectives had immediately recognised the possible connection between the home invasion and the injured man.
“But recognizing a potential suspect and having enough evidence to arrest them are two different things,” the statement said. “Suspicion alone isn’t enough. Police need reasonable grounds, supported by evidence, to make an arrest.”
The force defended the detectives’ “professionalism, tenacity and commitment” and said the investigation remained under way.
Police said evidence linking Richards to the attack was subsequently developed through forensic work and inquiries in the neighbourhood, with assistance from the Centre of Forensic Sciences.
Family injured during Toronto home invasion
The attack happened at about 3.40am on Thursday, when three men carrying firearms and a hammer forced their way into the property through a rear entrance.
Morton, 75, his 64-year-old wife Doriana Zohil-Morton and their daughters Maggie and Cristina, aged 28 and 26, were asleep when the intruders entered their bedrooms and demanded valuables.
A struggle followed. Morton and both daughters suffered gunshot wounds, while two members of the family were also struck on the head with a hammer.
Police said Morton and one daughter were shot in the leg, while the other daughter was hit by a bullet beneath the arm. All four were taken to hospital, with two later discharged and two remaining under medical care with injuries described as life-altering.
Investigators believe Richards was accidentally shot in the right shoulder by one of the other suspects during the confrontation.
The attackers are believed to have fled in a dark-coloured SUV. Police have released Richards’s photograph and warned that his shoulder injury may make him recognisable.
Richards is wanted on four counts each of discharging a firearm with intent to wound and robbery with a firearm, as well as three counts of aggravated assault. He also faces charges of breaking and entering, possessing a prohibited device and wearing a disguise with intent.
The other two suspects have not been publicly identified. Police have warned that all three men are considered armed and dangerous and urged members of the public not to approach them.
“We know who you are. And we’re actively looking for you. Your world just got smaller,” Smith said.
