K9 Assists In Locating Vehicle Theft Suspects

Two males are facing charges following a stolen vehicle investigation in Whitby.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at approximately 2:55 a.m., Central West Division officers launched a proactive crime reduction initiative in the Williamsburg area of Whitby targeting vehicle theft. 

During the initiative, investigators located two stolen vehicles leaving the area. The vehicles were then located in Ajax, where officers were able to box-in the vehicles; the suspects then fled on foot. Both suspects were arrested after a brief foot-pursuit, with the assistance of Police Service Dog Rocky who apprehended one of the suspects. 

Jaylen LAKE, age 24, of Toronto, is charged with: Theft of a Motor Vehicle (x2), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Dangerous Operation, Possession of Break-In Instruments, Possession of an Electronic Device for Motor Vehicle Theft, and Drive Motor Vehicle While Suspended.

Genura YAPA, age 23, of Toronto, is charged with: Theft of a Motor Vehicle (x2), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Dangerous Operation, Possession of Break-In Instruments, Possession of an Electronic Device for Motor Vehicle Theft, Fail to Comply with a Release Order (x4), and Fail to Comply with a Probation Order.

YAPA's fail-to-comply charges are connected to a previous vehicle theft investigation.

Both males were held for bail. 

Anyone with cell-phone, dash-cam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact the Auto Robbery Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5355.

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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