Attempt Auto Thefts in Ajax Lead to Arrests

Two males are in custody, one is outstanding, after attempting to steal vehicles and fleeing from police.

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, at approximately 5:10 a.m., members of West Division responded to a suspicious vehicle call in the area of Burden Crescent and Finley Avenue in Ajax.  A platinum-coloured Ford Explorer and a black Toyota SUV were driving around the area and appeared to be checking parked vehicles in an attempt to steal them.  Officers located both vehicles in different locations. 

Police followed the Toyota SUV to an apartment complex in the area of Kitney Drive and Bayly Street in Ajax, where the driver and passenger fled the vehicle.  One male was located a short distance away attempting to flee the area in an Uber.  He was taken into custody without incident.  The other suspect is still outstanding.  The Toyota SUV was confirmed stolen.

Simultaneously, a traffic stop was initiated on the Ford SUV in the area of Bayly Street and Westney Road in Ajax.  The driver was linked to the attempt vehicle thefts and taken into custody without incident.

Erwin MATTHEW, age 30 from Quebec is charged with numerous offences including: Theft of Motor Vehicle x1, Possess Automobile Master Key x2, Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x1, and Fail to Comply with Undertaking x1.

Daniel PEPIN-TAVERAS, age 26 from Quebec is charged with numerous offences including: Theft of Motor Vehicle x1, Possess Automobile Master Key x2, and Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x1.

Both were held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to Cst. Singh of West Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1901.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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