An 18-year-old man is facing multiple charges following an alleged vehicle break-in and armed confrontation with police in Oshawa.
The Oshawa knife arrest followed an incident near Bruce Street and Court Street shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, according to Durham Regional Police.
Police said officers from Central East Division responded to an armed-person call at approximately 6:15 p.m. after a motorist returned to his parked vehicle and allegedly discovered a man inside.
Vehicle Owner Allegedly Threatened With Knife
The vehicle owner confronted the suspect after finding him inside the parked car, police said.
Investigators allege that the man produced a knife, threatened the vehicle owner and fled from the area before officers arrived.
The victim did not suffer any physical injuries during the confrontation, according to the police release.
Officers reached the neighbourhood a short time later and reportedly saw the suspect running away. Police pursued him on foot through the area.
During the brief pursuit, the suspect allegedly threatened the responding officers while holding both a knife and a hammer.
Police said officers deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon, commonly known as a Taser, and safely took the suspect into custody. No injuries to the officers were reported in the initial release.
Oshawa Knife Arrest Results in Multiple Charges
Durham police identified the accused as 18-year-old Jonathan Joseph Cyr, who was described as having no fixed address.
He has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and possession of a break-in instrument.
Additional charges include mischief under $5,000, obstructing a peace officer and theft under $5,000.
The accused was held for a bail hearing. None of the allegations has been proven in court.
The charges do not establish guilt. The accused is entitled to respond to the allegations through the court process.
Police Seek Witnesses and Video
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or recorded activity near Bruce Street and Court Street to contact Durham Regional Police.
Residents, motorists and businesses in the area are encouraged to review cellphone recordings, security cameras and dashboard-camera footage from shortly before and after 6:15 p.m. on July 19.
Footage showing a person running through the neighbourhood, the parked vehicle or the police response could assist investigators.
Anyone with information about the Oshawa knife arrest and alleged vehicle break-in is asked to contact Constable McLellan of Central East Division at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1701.
Anonymous information can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or 8477. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward when their information assists an investigation.
Members of the public should not confront anyone they believe may be connected with an investigation. Relevant photographs, videos and information should be provided directly to police rather than posted publicly with unverified accusations.
The initial police release did not indicate whether any property had been recovered from the vehicle or whether the accused sustained injuries when the Conducted Energy Weapon was deployed.
This article should be updated if police release additional details or if the case progresses through the courts.
