Halton Regional Police have made an arrest and laid multiple charges in connection with an auto theft ring operating in Ontario that was allegedly transporting stolen vehicles to Quebec.
According to police, the investigation began in March and involves the theft of numerous vehicles in Halton and the GTA.
Yesterday (Sept. 5), a suspect was located in Halton Hills and subsequently arrested in Toronto, Halton Regional Police said in a news release.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect was also wanted by three additional police services for charges related to auto thefts, police said.
Samuel Laplante, 23, of Laval, Que., has been charged by Halton Police with the following:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (two counts)
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking.
Laplante was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information regarding the thefts is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
None of the allegations has been tested in court and Laplante is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
