A Whitby stolen vehicle arrest has resulted in charges against three teenagers, including one youth accused of involvement in jewelry store robberies in Pickering and Oshawa.
Durham Regional Police say officers located a stolen Honda SUV near Twin Streams Drive and Country Lane on Saturday. When police attempted to block the vehicle, the driver struck a police cruiser before fleeing and crashing into a tree a short distance away.
All three suspects attempted to escape on foot but were located and arrested with assistance from the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, K9 Unit, Tactical Support Unit, and Robbery Unit.
Police believe one of the teens was involved in a smash-and-grab robbery at Peoples Jewellers in Pickering City Centre, as well as an attempted robbery at Oshawa Jewellery in the Oshawa Centre two days earlier. The robbery investigations remain ongoing.
A 16-year-old from Whitby faces multiple charges, including robbery, attempted robbery, dangerous operation, failure to stop for police, possession of stolen property, disguise with intent, and weapons offences. He was held for a bail hearing.
A 14-year-old and another 16-year-old, both from Whitby, were charged with possession of stolen property and disguise with intent. Both were released on promises to appear.
Anyone with information, including cellphone, dashcam, or surveillance footage, is asked to contact the Durham Regional Police Robbery Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5355. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
