Port Hope Police say a 42-year-old man from St. Julienne, Quebec, has been charged after two pickup trucks were stolen from a dealership in the early morning hours of February 18.
Officers responded to Lakeridge Chrysler on Peter Street at approximately 4:47 a.m. after receiving a report that two trucks had been taken from the dealership compound. The caller reported hearing grinding noises before seeing two dark pickup trucks leave the property at a high rate of speed.
While responding, police observed a group of vehicles travelling southbound on Toronto Road, including two newer Ram pickup trucks without licence plates. Officers initiated a traffic stop near the Ministry of Transportation lot south of Highway 401. One vehicle stopped, while the second fled onto the eastbound on-ramp of Highway 401.
Police conducted what they describe as a high-risk arrest of the driver of the stopped vehicle. The accused was taken into custody without incident and transported for processing.
He has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, mischief and possession of an automobile master key.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)