Alarming Rise in Rock-Throwing Incidents on Highway 48 in Markham

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have reported a troubling increase in incidents involving rocks being hurled at moving vehicles on Highway 48 in Markham. The alarming trend reached a critical point on September 20, when a rock thrown at a vehicle in the vicinity of Highway 48 and Major Mackenzie Drive resulted in a significant collision, leaving two individuals with life-threatening injuries.

This shocking event was not isolated. Earlier the same night, police received multiple reports of rocks impacting vehicles on the highway just north of Elgin Mills. Fortunately, the two drivers affected in those incidents sustained only minor injuries, but the risk to public safety is undeniably rising.

Authorities are investigating a fourth related incident that occurred the same evening, where a rock damaged the side-view mirror of a vehicle traveling north on Highway 48, just beyond Major Mackenzie Drive. Concerns escalated further as investigators also discovered two previous occurrences on September 12, where vehicles sustained significant damage from rocks. One incident occurred near Stouffville Road, which left a vehicle with a shattered driver’s side headlight, while another incident by Elgin Mills resulted in a wrecked side-view mirror.

Police suspect that all these incidents are linked to a single suspect and vehicle, prompting them to call on the community for assistance. They encourage anyone with information regarding these dangerous actions to reach out at 1-888-310-1122, or provide tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or on their website at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Highway officials are emphasizing the importance of public safety and collaboration in preventing further incidents. As tensions rise around these reckless attacks, the OPP remind the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Could this be the work of a lone individual, or is a larger crisis unfolding? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!