A Toronto man is facing several criminal and traffic charges after Durham Regional Police say officers found him with cocaine and a stolen Genesis SUV in Pickering.
The Pickering stolen vehicle investigation began at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, after members of the Durham Regional Police West Division responded to a request to assist with a stolen vehicle.
At about the same time, police received reports that a white Genesis SUV was being driven at high speeds and in what investigators described as a dangerous manner.
Pickering Stolen Vehicle Located Near Busy Intersection
Officers located the Genesis parked near Liverpool Road and Kingston Road in Pickering.
Police said officers watched the driver exit the SUV before taking him into custody without incident. A search of the accused allegedly resulted in officers finding an unspecified quantity of cocaine.
Police did not report a vehicle pursuit, collision or injuries connected with the arrest.
The exact quantity and estimated value of the drugs were not disclosed in the police media release.
Vehicle Had Been Taken to Supposed Repair Business
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had previously been towed by a company identified by police as East Side Towing.
The SUV was reportedly taken to what the owner believed was an automotive repair business called AutoFix in Georgina, a municipality in York Region.
Police said the owner later went to the supposed AutoFix location and discovered that the business did not exist. The vehicle was subsequently reported stolen.
The Durham police release does not explain how the Genesis travelled from Georgina to Pickering or identify who originally arranged for the vehicle to be towed.
Police also did not allege in the release that the towing company knowingly participated in the theft. The investigation appears to remain active as officers continue asking for video and information.
Toronto Man Faces Six Charges
Durham police identified the accused as 35-year-old Nithoosan Selvakumar of Toronto.
He has been charged with:
- Dangerous operation
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Obstructing a peace officer
- Possession of a Schedule I substance, identified as cocaine
- Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor
- Driving while suspended
Police said the accused was held for a bail hearing.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. No finding of guilt has been made.
Police Seeking Video and Witnesses
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the Genesis being driven in Pickering or who has relevant cellphone, surveillance or dash-camera footage to contact Constable Williamson of the Durham Regional Police West Division.
Information can be provided by calling 1-888-579-1520, extension 1901.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or 8477. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Anyone whose vehicle is unexpectedly moved to an unfamiliar repair facility should independently confirm the business address and contact information. Suspected vehicle theft should be reported directly to police rather than through the online reporting system.
The Pickering stolen vehicle case remains under investigation, and police are continuing to seek information about the SUV’s movements before the July 22 arrest.
