An Ajax Rotary Park Arrest has led to two criminal charges after a white Toyota sedan was allegedly driven through busy sections of a waterfront park while pedestrians, including young children, were nearby.
Durham Regional Police said West Division officers responded to Rotary Park at approximately 6:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The park is located at 177 Lake Driveway West and includes a playground, splash pad, walking routes and access to the Ajax Waterfront Trail.
Police alleged that the sedan travelled through the playground, splash pad and walking paths while members of the public were using the area.
Vehicle Allegedly Returned to Waterfront Trail
Officers later found the vehicle near Westney Road South and Bayly Street West and attempted to stop it. Police said the driver did not stop and left the area.
A short time later, the same vehicle allegedly returned to Rotary Park and travelled across a pedestrian bridge on the Waterfront Trail before leaving again. Investigators have not publicly explained why the driver entered the park or why the vehicle allegedly returned after officers attempted the first traffic stop.
Police later located the Toyota near Harwood Avenue South and Bayly Street. Officers attempted to prevent it from leaving, but the driver allegedly tried to evade them.
During that attempt, the Toyota collided with an unrelated GMC sport utility vehicle, according to police. Officers then took the driver into custody.
Police reported no injuries arising from the activity in the park, the attempted traffic stops or the collision.
Aurora Man Faces Two Charges
A 23-year-old man from Aurora has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and failure to stop for police. He was held for a bail hearing.
The charges are allegations that have not been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
The Ajax Rotary Park Arrest attracted attention because the vehicle’s alleged route passed through spaces intended primarily for pedestrians and families.
Rotary Park is a popular waterfront destination featuring a playground, splash pad, pavilion, walking paths, fishing access and connections to the wider trail system. The Town of Ajax describes the park as accessible and suitable for children and seniors.
Police have not released information about possible damage to park property, the pedestrian bridge or the unrelated GMC. Investigators have also not indicated whether additional charges are being considered.
Police Seek Video and Witness Information
Durham police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators. Officers are particularly interested in cellphone recordings, dashboard-camera footage and surveillance video that may have captured the Toyota in or around Rotary Park, Westney Road, Bayly Street or Harwood Avenue.
Witnesses can contact the investigating officer at Durham Regional Police West Division by calling 1-888-579-1520, extension 1901.
Anonymous information can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. People who provide information through Crime Stoppers may qualify for a cash reward when their tip assists an investigation.
The Ajax Rotary Park Arrest concerns a separate event from other recent dangerous-driving investigations in Durham Region. No matching previously prepared article about this specific incident was identified.
The case remains appropriate for publication as a local Ajax crime report, provided the article clearly attributes the allegations to police and states that no injuries were reported.
