Authorities in Toronto are explaining why a suspect wounded during a home invasion at the residence of a Canadian CEO was allowed to leave a hospital without being arrested. Daijohn Richards, 23, faces armed robbery and aggravated assault charges in connection with the break-in that occurred at the $2.1 million Bridle Path neighborhood property of MAC Group CEO David Morton.
According to investigators, Richards was shot during the chaotic incident by one of the other perpetrators involved in the break-in. He later checked himself into a hospital for a shoulder injury. Police stated that while they had interactions with Richards at the hospital, as is standard procedure for gunshot victims, they did not have sufficient evidence at that point to make an arrest.
Richards was not officially identified as a suspect and a Canada-wide warrant was not issued until two days after the incident. Inspector Kristy Smith emphasized that arrests are made based on reasonable and probable grounds supported by evidence, not mere suspicion.
The revelation that the injured suspect was released from the hospital before being named a suspect led to public outcry, prompting police to issue further clarification. "Recognizing a potential suspect and having enough evidence to arrest them are two different things," Toronto police said in a statement.
The home invasion saw Morton, his wife Doriana Zohil-Morton, and their adult daughters attacked by masked individuals. Reports indicate the suspects demanded valuables before gunshots were fired. Morton and his daughters sustained gunshot wounds, while his wife was allegedly struck with a hammer, though the CEO stated all four family members were attacked with the hammer.
Police have described the two other unidentified men involved in the incident as "armed and dangerous" and are seeking information from the public. Morton has described the event as a deeply traumatic experience for his family, emphasizing the need for safety within one's own home.