A York Regional Police patch is shown Dec, 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey
A Brampton man is among three people charged following an investigation into a stolen boat, vehicles and trailers in Vaughan and Barrie, according to York Regional Police.
Jovan Rajkovic, 40, of Brampton, and Darryl Townsend, 51, of Barrie, are each facing charges of possessing property obtained by crime valued at more than $5,000 on two counts, possessing property obtained by crime valued at less than $5,000, and possessing a break-in instrument.
A fourth man has been identified by police but remains wanted in connection with the investigation.
The case began on June 12, when police received a report of a stolen boat and trailer near Islington Avenue and Highway 7 in Vaughan.
Investigators determined that multiple suspects had arrived in two vehicles, one of which had been reported stolen. Both vehicles were later seen leaving the area, with one towing a stolen 23-foot motorboat and trailer.
The vehicle used in the boat theft was recovered by Barrie police on Aug. 21.
The investigation continued into October, when officers in the Barrie area began following a stolen vehicle towing a trailer. A second vehicle was also observed travelling alongside it.
The first vehicle and trailer were followed to the area of Weston Road and Langstaff Road in Vaughan, where the driver and passenger were arrested.
The second vehicle left the area but was later stopped in Barrie with assistance from York Regional Police’s Air2 helicopter and uniform patrol officers. Police determined that vehicle had also been stolen, and its driver was arrested.
The third man charged is Michael Kwias, 45, of Barrie. He faces multiple charges, including six counts of possessing property obtained by crime valued at more than $5,000, three counts of theft exceeding $5,000, 11 counts of failing to comply with a release order, two counts of uttering forged documents, dangerous operation and possession of a break-in instrument.
Police have also issued a warrant for William Freeman, 39, of Midland, in connection with the June 12 incident. He faces two counts of theft exceeding $5,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7445. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.1800222tips.com.
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