Three teenagers from Whitby are facing charges after police tracked down a stolen vehicle over the weekend, an investigation that also connected one of the youths to a violent jewellery store robbery in Durham Region.
Officers on proactive patrol spotted a stolen Honda SUV near Twin Streams Drive and Country Lane around 8:45 a.m. on Jan. 17. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, colliding with a cruiser before crashing into a tree nearby. All three occupants ran from the scene but were arrested shortly afterward following a search of the surrounding area.
Investigators say one of the teens has since been linked to a jewellery store robbery at Pickering City Centre on Jan. 15, as well as an attempted robbery at Oshawa Centre later that same day. That investigation remains ongoing.
A 16-year-old boy is facing multiple serious charges, including robbery, attempted robbery, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, leaving the scene of a collision, weapons offences, and possession of stolen property valued over $5,000. He was held in custody for a bail hearing.
A 14-year-old boy and another 16-year-old boy are each charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and disguise with intent. Both were released on undertakings.