Two Men Arrested After Three Carjackings in Whitby, Police Say
Two men were arrested on August 30 in connection with a series of carjackings in Whitby, according to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
The events took place on Saturday afternoon and resulted in no reported physical injuries, police said. The first incident occurred around 4:40 p.m. when officers responded to a suspicious person call near McQuay Boulevard and Renfield Crescent. Police reported that two male suspects approached a woman outside her residence, demanded her car keys, and fled after the woman entered her home safely.
Minutes later, police received a report of a carjacking involving a taxi in the area of Renfield Crescent and Jacob Drive. According to police, two masked suspects entered the parked taxi, demanded the keys, and left in the vehicle after the driver exited.
Shortly after, police received a third call about a carjacking near Dundas Street and Fothergill Court. Police said the suspects approached a Lexus parked at a residence. They pointed a handgun at a front passenger, demanded the person exit the vehicle, and then left with both the taxi and the Lexus.
With the assistance of Air1, officers found the stolen taxi in Whitby and arrested one suspect. Police said a search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded handgun, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
The stolen Lexus was located near Rossland Road East and Wilson Road North in Oshawa. According to police, the Durham Regional Police Tactical Support Unit arrested a second suspect who was carrying a loaded rifle and fentanyl.
DRPS identified Rhys Croasdale, 25, of no fixed address, as charged with three counts of robbery, four counts of disguise with intent, and several firearm- and drug-related offences. Police also said Croasdale was on release orders for previous firearm charges and was wanted by two other police services at the time of arrest.
Nicholas Morton, 29, of Belleville, was charged with two counts of robbery, three counts of disguise with intent, several firearm-related offences, and possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl.
Police said both men were held for bail hearings. The allegations have not been proven in court.