‘Meaningful deterrents’ urged after auto theft suspect nabbed days after release

Published Jan 06, 2025  •  2 minute read

A Halton Regional Police vehicle. Photo by Ernest Doroszuk / Files /Toronto Sun

Halton Regional Police have charged two Toronto men with auto theft with one suspect arrested just four days after he was released on bail for similar offences in York Region.

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Cops said that on Monday at about 4 a.m. they responded to information from the OPP regarding a stolen black Dodge Charger operating in tandem with two Jeep Grand Cherokees. Halton officers found the Charger and a single white Jeep Grand Cherokee travelling together eastbound in the westbound lanes on Dundas St. near Ninth Line in Oakville.

Police followed the vehicles eastbound on Dundas and deployed a tire deflation device, which took out the front tires of the Jeep but it continued to flee until it was pinned by officers near Jaguar Valley Dr. in Mississauga. Two occupants of the Jeep fled from the vehicle on foot, but after a brief foot pursuit officers arrested both of them.

The Jeep which was determined to be stolen out of Peel Region.

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Mark Llewelyn, 22, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of an automobile master key and failure to comply with a release order. Officers determined Llewelyn was released on bail for similar offences in York Region on Wednesday.

“Time and time again, our officers and the public we serve face the dangers of stolen autos and the criminals behind the wheel who will stop at nothing as they attempt to evade police,” Halton police Chief Stephen Tanner said in a statement.

“Again, in this case it involved the arrest of an individual released on bail four days earlier for similar offences. There needs to be meaningful deterrents to these highly profitable and extremely dangerous crimes. As long as the gains outweigh the risks and organized groups continue to profit from this lucrative crime by shipping stolen vehicles out of the country through our large shipping ports, we should not expect it to stop. Steal a car through a home invasion or otherwise, get arrested, get released and repeat the cycle again.”

Kenzani Edwards, 21, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from a police officer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 905-825-4777, Ext. 2216. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

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