A fugitive’s run ended amidst the bustling energy of Toronto’s Union Station. Joshua Gray, a man once at the top of Canada’s most-wanted list, was taken into custody, bringing a months-long search to a quiet close.
Gray had been evading authorities since February 2025, a breach of his parole stemming from an eight-year sentence. His original conviction involved serious charges: armed robbery, drug trafficking, and disguising himself with criminal intent.
The search spanned across Southwestern Ontario, with police focusing on potential locations in London, Sarnia, and Toronto. The public was repeatedly asked for assistance, hoping for a crucial lead in the manhunt.
A significant turning point came in October when Gray was added to the “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) list – a compilation of the country’s 25 most sought-after fugitives. This heightened public awareness proved instrumental in his capture.
Tips generated by BOLO’s campaign directed officers to Union Station on Tuesday. According to OPP Det.-Sgt Morley McGuire, Gray was apprehended without resistance, a swift conclusion to a prolonged pursuit.
Gray’s criminal history dates back to 2017, when he brazenly robbed a Sarnia pharmacy at knifepoint. He made off with 24 boxes of potent fentanyl patches and a quantity of cash, demonstrating a dangerous disregard for public safety.
The arrest is a testament to the relentless work of the OPP’s Repeat Offender and Parole Enforcement (ROPE) squad, a dedicated task force focused on tracking down those who violate the terms of their release or escape custody. Their partnership with BOLO amplified their reach and effectiveness.
“We don’t give up,” McGuire emphasized, highlighting the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to locate and apprehend fugitives, no matter how long the search takes.
While BOLO often offers substantial rewards – up to $100,000 – for information leading to arrests, no reward was offered in Gray’s case. The organization focuses on raising awareness and directing public tips to investigators.
Despite Gray’s capture, the search continues for other fugitives featured on the BOLO list. Two men from Southwestern Ontario remain at large, believed to have fled the country to avoid justice.
Sevang Sychantha is wanted in connection with the 2002 death of Riad Baroud, whose remains were discovered in a Chatham-Kent bush lot. An Interpol red notice has been issued, signaling a global search for Sychantha, with a $50,000 reward offered for information.
Yusuf Ali is also sought in connection with a 2018 homicide, the killing of 73-year-old Leonard Damm in Windsor. His case remains open, a stark reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims and their families.
