NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Auto/Cargo Unit have charged a 28-year-old man following thefts of high-end vehicles from dealerships.
The investigation began on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, when police were notified of a theft of a Range Rover at a dealership in the area of Kennedy Road and Unionville Gate in Markham. Investigators discovered that a suspect had been looking at the vehicle with an employee of the dealership, then drove away.
A similar incident occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, when a suspect attended a car dealership in the area of Rivermede Road and Highway 7 in Vaughan. The suspect had requested a test drive of a Mercedes sport utility vehicle. The suspect started the vehicle and attempted to speed away, striking and injuring an employee who was trying to prevent the theft.
Investigators have linked the suspect to similar thefts that had occurred in Caledon, Oakville and Toronto. On Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, the accused was placed under arrest and has since been charged. An image of the accused is being released to ensure that no other incidents that occurred have have not yet been reported to police.
Charged:
- Phillip O’Neil Wessam, 28, City of Brampton
Charges:
- Theft of Vehicle x6
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 x6
- Operation while disqualified x6
- Dangerous operation cause bodily harm
- Breach of probation
- Fail to comply with recognizance
The accused has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit at 1-866- 876-5423, ext. 6651 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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