The Toronto Police Service (TPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and other GTA police services detailed an extensive auto theft investigation that has resulted in hundreds of arrests and more than 170 vehicles recovered over a span of six months.
Officials announced the results of the provincial carjacking joint task force and Project Titanium, an investigation into a criminal network involved in violent auto thefts, home invasions and other non-violent vehicle theft incidents.
TPS said 124 arrests have been made, and investigators have laid 749 criminal charges. Over 170 stolen vehicles, valued at more than $10 million, were recovered.
“The provincial carjacking joint task force exemplifies the commitment of GTA law enforcement to disrupt the networks behind violent auto thefts and highlights the crucial role of collaboration in tackling issues that affect our communities,” said TPS Deputy Chief Robert Johnson.
“Although this joint task force has concluded, our commitment remains unwavering. TPS has established a Toronto carjacking task force to address these crimes locally and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the GTA.”
The province’s carjacking joint task force, consisting of various local police departments, was assembled to coordinate law enforcement efforts in combating the various crimes, including violent vehicle crimes operating within the GTA.
OPP locate 23 stolen vehicles; 8 arrested
OPP officials shared the results of Project Titanium, which was described as an intelligence-led investigation. On June 18 and 19, search warrants were executed on six vehicles and four locations throughout Peel Region and Toronto.
Authorities seized a loaded handgun and ammunition, over $2,000, manual break-in and electronic auto theft tools, fraudulent photo identification and stolen vehicle parts. Police also recovered 23 vehicles with an approximate value of more than $5 million.
OPP officials said eight people were arrested and face just over 100 charges. Four of the accused were remanded into custody.
Two were released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. An arrest warrant has been issued for two suspects currently outstanding.
Those charged include:
- 22-year-old Schuyler Holloway of Mississauga
- 20-year-old Michael Ackley of Toronto
- 22-year-old Jahiem James of Brantford (wanted)
- 56-year-old Alexis Holloway of Mississauga
- 19-year-old Jahmoi-Derrick Williams of Mississauga
- 19-year-old Teroy Warner of Brampton (wanted)
- 21-year-old Trayvaun Gomez (no fixed address)
- 23-year-old Prince Adu Yeboah of Brampton
Auto thefts remain on the rise in Toronto, GTA
“Vehicle crime is a complex issue, but one thing is simple — our communities deserve to feel safe when they lay their heads down at night,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns.
“It is the right of every Ontarian to feel at ease in their home, in their communities, and to feel protected by law enforcement. I would like to thank our partner agencies for their assistance with Project Titanium and TPS for co-leading the PCJTF.”
The update comes as investigators attempt to piece together what transpired at an Etobicoke high school earlier this month when a 14-year-old boy allegedly opened fire, killing two men and wounding others in a crime potentially tied to a stolen vehicle.
The shooting happened outside North Albion Collegiate Institute on the evening of June 2, when nine men gathered in the parking lot after a soccer game.
On Monday, Det. Sgt. Phillip Campbell said the unidentified teen suspect was initially arrested concerning an allegedly stolen vehicle, and the motive behind the shooting is still unknown.
Supt. Ron Taverner said investigators are still seeking more details about the stolen vehicle and the gun that was used in the shooting.