Arrest in Bold Car Theft Incident
Peel police have arrested an 18-year-old woman in connection with a brazen car theft in Mississauga earlier this month, where a man was struck by the stolen vehicle before the suspect fled. The incident occurred on September 6 around 2 p.m. near Winston Churchill and Eglinton Avenue. The woman had responded to an AutoTrader ad and visited the victim’s home, leading to the violent confrontation.
Surveillance Footage Captures Shocking Confrontation
Earlier this week, police released security camera footage showing the woman rapidly reversing over the victim while inspecting his Porsche Cayenne before making her escape with the vehicle. The victim suffered injuries but is expected to recover. After realizing the severity of her actions, the woman turned herself in to police on Thursday and was held in custody before a bail hearing scheduled for Friday. Fortunately, the stolen Porsche has since been recovered.
Serious Charges for the Young Suspect
The 18-year-old faces serious charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation causing bodily harm, and failure to remain at the scene of an accident causing injury. She was also charged for driving without a license and has a history of fraud-related offenses in Peel Region, making this incident particularly alarming. Police anticipate making more arrests in this auto theft investigation, indicating that this may be part of a larger pattern of criminal activity.
Police Urge Caution for Online Transactions
Peel police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact them or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers. They also emphasize the importance of being cautious when selling items online. To enhance safety, they encourage the use of designated safe zones for transactions, known as Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zones, which are monitored by security cameras. These locations aim to create a safer environment for buyers and sellers alike, especially given the rising incidents of auto theft.
Safety Recommendations to Combat Auto Theft
To further protect themselves, police recommend conducting transactions during the day, informing someone about your whereabouts, and opting for online payment methods instead of cash, as e-transfers are easier to track. In a recent auto-theft summit, Peel Region was unfortunately dubbed the “auto theft capital of Canada,” raising concerns among residents. The most recent statistics show that from January 1 to May 31, Peel reported 3,316 vehicle thefts, a slight decrease from 3,580 during the same period in 2023. Last year, the region recorded a staggering total of 8,322 vehicle thefts, underscoring the need for vigilance in the community.
