Two Toronto men charged after police locate stolen vehicles in Whitby and Ajax

Two Toronto men have been charged after Durham Regional Police say officers spotted two stolen vehicles leaving Whitby’s Williamsburg area early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, and later boxed the vehicles in in Ajax before arresting two suspects who ran from the scene.

The incident matters locally because police say it began in a Whitby neighbourhood and involved two allegedly stolen vehicles, with arrests made after a short foot chase in Ajax.

Police said the events started at about 2:55 a.m., when Central West Division officers were in the Williamsburg area of Whitby as part of an effort focused on vehicle theft. During that work, police said investigators located two stolen vehicles leaving the area.

Police said the vehicles were later found in Ajax, where officers boxed them in. The suspects then fled on foot, and both were arrested after a brief pursuit. Police Service Dog Rocky assisted and apprehended one of the suspects, police said.

Police identified one of the accused as Jaylen Lake, 24, of Toronto. Police said Lake is charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, as well as possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation, possession of break-in instruments, possession of an electronic device for motor vehicle theft, and driving while suspended.

The second accused is Genura Yapa, 23, of Toronto, police said. Police said Yapa is charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle and four counts of failing to comply with a release order. Police said Yapa is also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation, possession of break-in instruments, possession of an electronic device for motor vehicle theft, and failing to comply with a probation order.

Police said Yapa’s fail-to-comply charges are connected to a previous vehicle theft investigation.

Both men were held for bail, police said. The allegations have not been proven in court.