A Brampton man is facing multiple charges after South Simcoe Police recovered a stolen high-end SUV during an investigation at a Highway 400 rest stop in Innisfil.
An officer spotted a Dodge Durango SRT with a flat tire at the Highway 400 rest stop on August 4th at about 10:30 a.m. The vehicle had a heavily tinted licence plate cover and signs that its vehicle identification number (VIN) had been altered.
Investigators determined the displayed VIN belonged to a salvage vehicle from Michigan, while the SUV was confirmed to be a 2024 Dodge Durango SRT reported stolen in Toronto on April 26th.
During the investigation, a Ford Explorer ST arrived at the scene. Police say the SUV fled when officers attempted a traffic stop and was later intercepted by the Ontario Provincial Police before fleeing again. Investigators later confirmed the Explorer had also been reported stolen. That investigation remains ongoing.
Police arrested a 26-year-old Brampton man associated with the Durango. Officers seized:
- A stolen Ontario licence plate
- A prohibited switchblade knife
- Oleoresin capsicum spray
- Break-and-enter tools
- Liquor believed to have been stolen from an LCBO
- An automobile master key
- Blank vehicle key fobs
- Additional evidence associated with vehicle theft and VIN alteration
The accused faces numerous charges:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of an automobile master key
- Possession of break-in instruments
- Two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon
- Altering, removing or obliterating a vehicle identification number
- Two counts of failing to comply with a release order
- Three counts of breach of recognizance
- Six counts of breach of probation
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the South Simcoe Police Service at 705-436-2141 or 905-775-3311. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
