York Regional Police have arrested a man after a homemade explosive device was found detonated in a Newmarket mall food court on Wednesday.
Police said they have charged 19-year-old Michael Gatdula from Toronto with eight criminal counts, including arson and use of explosives.
Officers were called to a food court at a mall near Yonge Street and Davis Drive in Newmarket at about 6:45 pm on Wednesday. Police allege the man put a homemade incendiary device in a planter at the food court, and then fled the scene before officers arrived.
Nobody was physically injured when the explosive went off, police said. Investigators were able to locate what remained of the device.
York police’s canine unit was able to find the suspect near Eagle Street West and Davis Drive shortly afterwards, police said.
Police say the investigation is still underway and ask anyone with information to contact them at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7141 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
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