Warrant issued against alleged gang member for attempted murder

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Police in york region said an arrest warrant has been issued for an alleged gang member wanted for a attempted murder in Schomberg last year.

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York Regional Police said its Organized Crime Unit has issued an arrest warrant for 43-year-old Ronald Mortaya-Cruz on three counts of failing to comply with a release order.

In June 2023, Mortaya-Cruz was charged with two counts of participating in the activities of a criminal organization as a result of Project Rebellion, an investigation into an attempted murder in Schomberg, 60 kilometers north of Toronto.

According to the investigation, 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 say the victim survived and is still recovering from his injuries.

Police said search warrants were executed at several locations in Toronto between May 18 and June 1, 2023. Shortly afterwards, eight people were charged, including Mortaya-Cruz, who was released on bail and made subject to conditions including the requirement to wear a GPS monitoring device.

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According to police, on May 11, 2024, investigators learned that Mortaya-Cruz had removed his GPS monitoring device and 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 6 feet tall with a heavy build, short black hair, a long black/gray beard, brown eyes, tattoos on his right hand, both forearms and the left side of his body. neck and has connections to the GTA and Hamilton.

He is considered armed and dangerous and if seen, authorities say not to approach, but instead contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

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.

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