Halton police arrest two in stolen vehicle investigation, probe two other incidents

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Halton Police arrested two suspects after a high-speed pursuit involving stolen vehicles. In separate incidents, a cyclist was struck in Oakville, and an attempted robbery involving a stolen vehicle occurred in Burlington. Investigations are ongoing, and police are urging witnesses or those with information to come forward.

TWO ARRESTED IN STOLEN VEHICLE INVESTIGATION

The Halton Police have arrested two suspects concerning an auto theft investigation. The police received information from the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) about a stolen black Dodge Charger operating in tandem with two Jeep Grand Cherokees. A short time later, officers spotted the Charger and one of the Jeeps, a white Grand Cherokee, travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Dundas Street near Ninth Line in Oakville.

Police followed the vehicles and successfully deployed a tire deflation device, turning off the front tires of the white Jeep. Despite this, the vehicle continued fleeing until officers managed to pin it near Jaguar Valley Drive in Mississauga. The two occupants exited the Jeep and attempted to flee on foot but were arrested after a brief chase.

Further investigation revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the Peel Region.

One suspect, 22-year-old Mark Llewelyn of Toronto, has been charged with possessing property obtained by crime over $5,000, possessing an automobile master key, and failing to comply with a release order. Llewelyn was released on bail four days earlier for similar offences in York Region. He is being held in custody pending another bail hearing in Milton.

The second suspect, 21-year-old Kenzani Edwards of Toronto, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight from a police officer.

“Time and time again our officers, and the public we serve face the dangers of stolen autos and the criminals behind the wheel who will stop at nothing as they attempt to evade police,” said HRPS Chief, Stephen Tanner.

“Again, in this case it involved the arrest of an individual released on bail four days earlier for similar offences. There needs to be meaningful deterrents to these highly profitable and extremely dangerous crimes. As long as the gains outweigh the risks, and organized groups continue to profit from this lucrative crime by shipping stolen vehicles out of the country through our large shipping ports, we should not expect it to stop.”

CYCLIST STRUCK IN OAKVILLE, POLICE INVESTIGATING

A cyclist was struck at the Wyecroft Road and Dorval Drive intersection in Oakville, prompting an investigation by the Halton Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. The incident occurred on Friday, and the cyclist was transported to Hamilton General Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition.

Police are appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation. They are particularly seeking witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage who were in the area at the time of the collision. Tesla vehicle owners, who may have recorded video through onboard cameras, are also urged to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Halton Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

POLICE INVESTIGATING ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

The Halton are investigating an attempted robbery involving a stolen vehicle in Burlington. The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. A white Toyota Highlander stopped a male teen walking near Stephanie Street and Longmoor Drive with the license plate CTAK 889. One of the occupants got out of the vehicle and demanded the teen’s hoodie and personal belongings.

When the teen refused, the suspect returned to the vehicle, which then drove north on Longmoor Drive. No weapons were seen, and the teen was not physically harmed. Police believe four to five male suspects were inside the vehicle, all wearing black puffer jackets and balaclavas. The Toyota Highlander has been reported as stolen. The police are actively investigating the incident and urging anyone who observes the vehicle to avoid approaching it and contact police immediately.