York District Police say 23-year-old Riyasat Singh was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, possession of property worth more than $ 5,000 and less than $ 5,000.
Police are now looking for another 23-year-old, Harshdeep Binner from Brampton.
Haitamiri, also known as Tamiri, was abducted on the night of Jan. 12 when three men dressed as police officers stormed a Trailwood Place home.
Police said earlier this week that they had linked the abduction to another incident in which Haitamiri was attacked with a pan on Richmond Hill last December, saying they believed the same individuals were either involved in the abduction or could not identify those responsible.
Haitamiri remains unaccounted for, and York Regional Police are working with Ontario Provincial Police to locate him.
Thursday’s arrests are linked to the alleged December attack. Police have not named any other suspects in connection with the abduction.
Ontario provincial police say Elnaz Hajtamiri, 37, was abducted from a home Jan. 12 by three men wearing plain police equipment. (Submitted by the Hajtamiri family)
On Dec. 21, police said they were called to attack an underground parking garage at King William Crescent in Richmond Hill. There they say that Haitamiri was hit with a pan.
A witness stopped the incident and the suspects fled in a vehicle, according to police.
Haitamiri was taken to hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening at the time.
Police later located the suspect vehicle, which is said to have been stolen, in Toronto.
Anyone with information about Binner’s whereabouts or the investigation is kindly requested to contact the York District Police.
Speaking from Iran in a video statement to Ontario provincial police this week, Hajtamiri’s mother said she did not know if her daughter was alive.
“I beg you as a mother to guide us and tell us everything you know,” she said. “Please, please help us. We live a desperate life.
“Please help us find Elnaz.”
