Category: Durham Regional Police

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Lakshanth SELVARAJAH & Akshayah THARMAKULENTHIRAN Arrested For Fraud

A male and female are facing 40 charges for fraud related offences targeting seniors in Durham Region.

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, members of the Financial Crimes Unit, with the assistance of York Regional Police, arrested a male and female after concluding an investigation into numerous fraud related offences that targeted seniors in Durham Region. 

Victims, including a 90-year-old couple, received phone calls from the suspects pretending to be their banking and credit card companies.  The victims were led to believe their accounts were compromised.  A courier was sent to the victim’s homes to retrieve their bank cards and passwords, which were then used for fraudulent purchases.

Lakshanth SELVARAJAH, age 27 from Ajax is charged with numerous offences including: Theft of Credit Card x6, Fraud Over $5000 x3, Fraud under $5000 x5, Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data x8, Possess Credit Card Obtained by Crime x6, Possess Identity Info with Inference x3, and Possess Identity Document of Another.

Akshayah THARMAKULENTHIRAN, age 25 from Ajax is charged with numerous offences including: Fraud Over $5000 x2, Fraud Under $5000 x2, and Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data x4.

Investigators have concerns there may be more victims.  Images of the accused parties can be viewed at www.drps.ca

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Candy Store Pervert Alert

A male is in custody following a sexual offence investigation in Uxbridge.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 4:25 p.m., members of North Division responded to a sexual offence call in the area of Main Street North and Dallas Street. Four female youth attended a local business to buy snacks and candy. While inside the store, the victims were approached by an unknown male who exposed his genitals. The victims left the store and returned home immediately. The suspect fled the area in a blue 2-door car.

The victims did not sustain any physical injuries.

Following an investigation, members of the Special Victims Unit identified the suspect. On Monday, April 22, 2024, the suspect was taken into custody without incident, when he turned himself in to a DRPS division.

Giulian PRONESTI, age 20 from Uxbridge is charged with: Indecent Exposure to a Person Under 16.

He was released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Soto of the Special Victims Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2257.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Elvin CANONIZADO Was Arrested

A male has been arrested after sexually assaulting a female and threatening her and another male with a firearm in Oshawa.

On Friday, April 19, 2024, at approximately 2:05 p.m., members of Central East Division responded to an armed person call in the area of Simcoe Street South and Athol Street. The suspect approached the victim, while she was alone on the street corner, and touched her inappropriately before walking away. The victim told her partner, and both parties confronted the suspect. The suspect made threats with a firearm toward the male and female before leaving the area.

Officers searched the area and located the suspect a short distance away. Police took the suspect into custody without incident. A search of the suspect located a concealed BB firearm that resembled a revolver.

The victims did not sustain any physical injuries.

Elvin CANONIZADO, age 28 from Oshawa is charged with: Sexual Assault, Uttering Threats x2, Possess Weapon for Committing Offence, Carry Concealed Weapon, and Use of Imitation Firearm During Commission of an Offence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Santoro of Central East Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2175.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Tyler James CROFT Arrested

A male is in custody following an investigation into the sexual luring of a 13-year-old boy.

On Monday, April 15, 2024, members of the DRPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) arrested an adult male after an investigation into the luring of a 13-year-old male through Snapchat.  It is reported that the suspect requested sexually explicit photos from the youth.  Further investigation revealed the possibility of other victims.

Tyler James CROFT, age 25 from Peterborough is charged with Luring a Child Under 16 to Make Child Pornography.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Police have concerns there may be other victims and are requesting anyone with information to come forward to investigators. 

A photo of the accused can be viewed at www.drps.ca

For more information on our ICE unit and resources that are available please visit our website at https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/internet-safety-and-child-exploitation/

The Durham Regional Police would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Canadian National and Ontario Provincial Strategies to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Powell of the Major Crime Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5545.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Robert SKRONSKI & George DAYOUB Arrested – Details Released

Two males are in custody after being found with numerous fraudulent identifications while attempting to open an account at a bank in Oshawa.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at approximately 2:20 p.m., members of East Division, with the assistance of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch, responded to a fraud call at the TD Bank located at 1310 King Street East, in Oshawa. A male entered the bank and attempted to open an account with fraudulent identification documents. Employees recognized the documents as fraudulent and contacted police. The suspect fled the bank prior to police arrival.

Police located the suspect at a nearby business and took him into custody without incident. A second suspect, linked to the first suspect, was located in a nearby vehicle and taken into custody without incident. The second suspect was found with numerous fraudulent identification documents in the vehicle.

Robert SKRONSKI, age 54 from Quebec is charged with: Fraud Under $5000 x2, Possession of Forged Document x3, Fraudulent Use of Certificate of Citizenship, Possess Identity Documents of Another x6, and Possess Credit Card Obtained by Crime.

George DAYOUB, age 26 from Quebec is charged with: Fraud Under $5000 x2, Possession of Forged Document x2, Possess Identity Document of Another x4, Possess Credit Card Obtained by Crime, and Fail to Comply with Release Order x3.

Both males were held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Karissa CORREIA Arrested – Details Released

A Pickering female is in custody for firearm possession following an investigation by the DRPS Gun and Gang Unit.

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, members of the DRPS Gun and Gang Unit (GGU) completed an investigation into a female believed to be in possession of a firearm. Officers attended a school in the area of Centre Street and John Street, in Oshawa, and took the suspect into custody without incident.

Simultaneously, a search warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence in the area of Bayly Street and Sandy Beach Road, in Pickering. A loaded firearm with an overcapacity magazine was located in the suspect’s bedroom.

Karissa CORREIA, age 27 from Pickering is charged with: Possession of a Restricted/Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence, and Possession of a Prohibited Device.

She was released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Gun and Gang Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1801.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Scammer Taxidermist Arrested After $500,000 Wasn’t Enough

A male has been arrested after fraudulently claiming the deceased exotic animals for his taxidermist business were no longer viable due to a faulty refrigeration system.

On Monday, September 11, 2023, investigators with the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) were contacted by an insurance company regarding multiple claims filed by Artistry in Motion Taxidermy, that they believed to be fraudulent. The owner of the business purchased deceased exotic animals such as tigers, lions and monkeys, after they died of natural causes, for use as art pieces.

In May of 2022, the owner made a claim to the insurance company for a weather-related failure of his refrigeration system, which he claimed resulted in a financial loss of over $500,000 of animals.

In June of 2023, the owner made a second claim to the insurance company for another refrigeration system failure, which he claimed resulted in a financial loss of over $700,000 of animals.

Investigation into zoos, ranches, and safaris both in Canada and in Africa, named by the suspect, revealed that the suspect had fraudulently produced purchase invoices, created fictitious zoos and safaris, and inflated the value of the deceased animals.

Cyril DSOUZA, age 65 from Uxbridge is charged with: Fraud Over $5000 x2, and Utter Forged Document x2.

He was released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Tisi of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5729.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Victim Kidnapped Off Street For Sex Slavery Rescued – FORD & BROWN Arrested

Two males are in custody for kidnapping after they forced a female into a vehicle and drove to a hotel in Mississauga.

On Sunday, March 31, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., members of West Division responded to a check on well being call in the area of Kings Crescent and Burcher Road, in Ajax. Police were contacted after the victim did not return to her residence for her curfew. The victim was last seen entering a vehicle with unknown males.

Further investigation revealed that the victim had been communicating with a suspect male via the social media app Yubo, earlier in the day. The victim made arrangements to meet with the suspect in the afternoon, but the suspect did not show up. Later that evening the victim was out walking with a friend when the suspect approached her in a vehicle, being driven by another male. The suspect forced the victim into the vehicle and fled the area. The victim later texted a friend that she needed help and was being forced into the sex trade.

Police located both the victim and the two suspects at a hotel in Mississauga. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident, and the victim was transported to a place of safety.

The victim did not sustain any physical injuries.

Oneil FORD, age 19 from Oshawa is charged with: Kidnapping.

Deshawn BROWN, age 20 from Pickering is charged with: Kidnapping.

Both males were held for a bail hearing.

A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham. These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com.

Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgment. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Another NFA Arrested – Stabbing

A male is in custody and a second male is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in Oshawa.

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, at approximately 11:20 p.m., members from Central East Division responded to an armed person call in the area of Simcoe Street South and Bagot Street in Oshawa.  Officers arrived on the scene and located a male suffering from a stab wound.  He was transferred to a Toronto-area trauma centre in a non-life-threatening condition.  Officers on the scene were able to quickly identify a suspect and took him into custody nearby.

Ryley WHALEN, age 22 No Fixed Address is charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of Weapon for Committing an Offence and Assault with a Weapon.

He was held for Bail Hearing.

Anyone with video footage, dash cam footage or information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Dellipizzi of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2766.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Impaired With Sub Machine Gun – What Could Go Wrong?

A loaded firearm was located in a vehicle after a male was arrested for impaired driving in Scugog.

On Monday, April 1, 2024, at approximately 2:55 a.m., members of North Division were on proactive patrol in the area of Simcoe Street and Whitfield Road, in Scugog, when they initiated a traffic stop on a suspected impaired driver. The driver, who was exhibiting signs of impairment, was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle was conducted following the arrest and a loaded modified Uzi sub machine gun with a high-capacity magazine, was located and seized.

Brock TATE, age 32 from Pickering is charged with numerous offences including: Operation While Impaired, Obstruct Peace Officer, Driving While Under Suspension, Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm, Possess Loaded Restricted/Prohibited Firearm, Possess Restricted/Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence, Possession of a Prohibited Device, and Possession of a Prohibited/Restricted Firearm Knowing its Possession is Prohibited/Restricted.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Crawford or Cst. Crichton of North Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2881 or 3019.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

$200,000 In Stolen Tools Recovered – Andrew HAUSMAN Arrested

A male is in custody following an investigation into numerous thefts from construction sites between February and March of 2024.

Between February and March of 2024, the suspect was observed entering construction and new development sites, stealing various construction tools. The suspect listed the stolen items on Facebook Marketplace in an attempt to sell them.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, members of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch, with the assistance of West Division officers, took the suspect into custody without incident. A search warrant was also executed at the suspect’s storage unit. Approximately $200,000 worth of stolen power tools, site generators, and industrial equipment were located.

Andrew HAUSMAN, age 34 from Scarborough is charged with: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x2, and Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime x2.

He was released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with video footage, dash cam footage or information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Smith of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2562.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

UPDATE: Victim Stabbed By Three People

The suspect in a stabbing investigation is in custody following a simultaneous drug investigation that resulted in the seizure of numerous drugs and an automatic firearm.

On Friday, October 13, 2023, at approximately 1:20 p.m., members of Central West Division responded to an unknown trouble call in the area of Garden Street and Taunton Road East, in Whitby. The victim was assaulted and stabbed by three suspects. All suspects fled the area prior to police arrival. The victim was located with life-threatening injuries and transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre, where his condition was upgraded to stable.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, members of the Central West Division Community Response Unit, with assistance from Central West Division officers, initiated a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle and took him into custody without incident. Search warrants at the suspect’s residence and vehicle resulted in the seizure of numerous drugs, cash and a loaded automatic firearm, which was concealed in the vent of the vehicle. The suspect was further linked to the Whitby stabbing and charged.

Eric MCEWAN, age 30 from Whitby is charged with numerous offences including: Robbery, Assault Cause Bodily Harm, Assault with a Weapon, Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x4, Possess Loaded Restricted/Prohibited Firearm, Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm, Possession of a Restricted/Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence, and Possession Contrary to Order x2.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Hadad of the Central West Division Community Response Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3741.


Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.


The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Two Males Airlifted to Hospital Following Collision

Two males were transported to Toronto-area trauma centres after a single vehicle collision in Pickering on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., members of Central West
Division responded to a single vehicle collision on Lake Ridge Road, north of
Myrtle Road West, in Pickering. The vehicle was travelling southbound on Lake Ridge Road when it lost control and went off the roadway into a heavily wooded area, colliding with a tree.

The collision occurred on Monday, March 25, 2024 at approximately 11:00 p.m., however the driver and passenger were trapped in the vehicle and unable to call for help. The driver was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre via Air Ornge. The passenger was initially transported to a local-area hospital, but subsequently airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre. Both the driver and passenger remain in critical condition.

Members of the DRPS – Collision Investigation Unit attended the scene to conduct an
investigation. The roadway was closed for several hours while evidence was
collected. This collision is still under investigation.

Anyone with video footage, dash cam footage or information about this incident is asked to call D/Cst. Emily Vander Duim of the Traffic Services Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5227.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

4 Teens Arrested After Armed Robbery

An adult male and three youth have been arrested after robbing and threatening a male with weapons in Oshawa.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 5:25 p.m., members of Central East Division responded to a robbery-in-progress at an apartment complex near Grenfell Street and Gibb Street.  The victim made arrangements to meet with a female.  The victim arrived at the agreed upon location and was assaulted by multiple individuals who stole his phone and other personal items.  The victim fled the apartment complex and contacted 911.  As the victim waited for police in his vehicle, the suspects returned with a bat and hammer and made threats toward the victim.  Police arrived on scene and the suspects attempted to flee, however, all suspects were taken into custody without incident.

The victim sustained minor injuries.

Connor HARRISON, age 19 from Whitby is charged with: Robbery, Possess Weapon Dangerous to the Public, and Utter Threats.

A 17-year-old female from Kawartha Lakes is charged with: Robbery, and Mischief Under $5000.

A 17-year-old male from Oshawa is charged with: Robbery.

A 16-year-old female from Oshawa is charged with: Robbery.

All parties were released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with video footage, dash cam footage or information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Maves of Central East Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3903.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Sajan DHONSI Arrested For Child Porn, Sexual Assault, etc.

A male is in custody after secretly taking intimate images and sexually assaulting a female in Whitby.

Between Monday, October 2, and Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the suspect secretly recorded intimate images and sexually assaulted the victim while she was asleep.  These images, including historic intimate images of the victim, were shared without her consent.  Further images of other victims that were underage were also posted on various social media platforms without their consent.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, members of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch, with the assistance of Central West Division frontline officers and the E-Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Whitby.  The suspect was located and taken into custody without incident.  Numerous electronics were seized from the residence.

Sajan DHONSI, age 21 from Whitby is charged with numerous offences including: Sexual Assault, Secretly Observe/Record Person for Sexual Purpose, Publish Intimate Images Without Consent x2, and Possess Child Pornography.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Robinson of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1854.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.