(Ottawa Police Services-Huntmar Station Stittsville)
Patrol officers intercepted two stolen Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) in the city’s West end this week. The concern for the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) on the thefts of high-end vehicles is not over. They say that Lexus/Toyota vehicles in Ottawa, particularly larger SUVs and 4Runners including the Tacoma still run the risk of being stolen from laneways and car dealerships.
At approximately 4:00 am on March 4, officers responded to a vehicle theft in progress near Hazeldean Road and Stittsville Main Street. Officers were able to locate the stolen Toyota 4Runner SUV in the area and initiate a traffic stop. The driver surrendered to officers and was arrested.
West Criminal Investigators charged Abderazak Achab, a 26 year old man, of Montreal, with the following in relation to the stolen 4Runner:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Mischief/Tampering with computer data
- Mischief/Damage to property under $5000
- Possession of a break-in instrument
- Unlawfully purchasing an automobile starter key
- Possession of device to obtain computer service or computer system
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
Achab remains in custody.
Earlier in the week at approximately 2:30 am on March 2, patrol officers observed two Lexus SUVs travelling in tandem eastbound on Highway 417 just past the Moodie Drive exit. Officers were able to initiate a traffic stop with the assistance of the Canine Unit and successfully apprehended the driver of one of the vehicles following a police pursuit. The stopped vehicle had been reported stolen out of Markham on February 26-27. The second vehicle was not located.
West Criminal Investigators have charged Ralff Castan, a 24 year old man, of Montreal, with the following in relation to the stolen Lexus:
- Possession of stolen property over $5000
- Flight from police
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- Obstructing police
- Breach probation X3
Castan was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on March 16, 2021.
Investigators would like to remind residents to take precaution in order to protect their vehicle.
Any Lexus/Toyota SUV owners that notice new or fresh damage to the driver’s side door handle to file an information report online. If you observe someone taking photos of the dashboard Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), report it to the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222. TTY service for the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing call 613-760-8100.