East Gwillimbury man charged in Markham woman’s disappearance

York Regional Police homicide and missing persons unit investigators have laid charges in connection with a missing Markham woman.

Police say Ying Zhang was last seen on Thursday, July 25 around 10:40 a.m. in the area of ​​Woodbine Avenue and Steelcase Road.

Zhang has not yet been located, according to police.

On Saturday, investigators charged Changlin Yang, 26, of East Gwillimbury with kidnapping, forcible confinement and aggravated assault.

Police have released images of the accused and are seeking additional witnesses.

Images of a suspect vehicle have also been released.

A white Ford van was seen in the area and a suspect was seen with a large green wheelie bin next to the van at the time of Zhang’s disappearance, police said.

Police say the suspect vehicle has Ontario registration number BZ43851.

Police said there were reports the van traveled to the village of Kirkfield in the Kawartha Lakes on the afternoon of July 25.

None of the charges have been tested in court, and Yang is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865 or (email protected)call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at 1800222tips.com.