Three teens arrested in stolen car in Whitby, Ontario; one charged in two jewelry store robberies

Three teens – the youngest just 14 – are facing a combined 17 charges after being found in a stolen vehicle in Whitby Saturday, with one of the youths charged in a smash-and-grab robbery of a Pickering jewelry store and the attempted robbery of an Oshawa jewelry store just two days before.

Durham Police spotted the stolen Honda SUV near Twin Streams Drive and Country Lane and attempted to block the vehicle in. The driver was able to flee after hitting the police cruiser, though he crashed into a tree a short distance away, forcing the suspects to try their escape on foot.

Officers, with the assistance of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, K9 Unit, Tactical Support Unit and Robbery Unit, located all three suspects who were taken into custody.

Police believe one of the teens was involved in the jewelry store robbery on Thursday at the Peoples Jewellers store in the Pickering City Centre, as well as an attempted robbery the same day at Oshawa Jewellery in the Oshawa Centre.

The investigation into the two robberies is still ongoing.

A 16-year-old from Whitby is charged with three counts of possession of stolen property, three counts of disguise with intent, dangerous operation, fail to stop for police, leaving an accident scene, robbery, attempted robbery and two weapons charges.

He was held for a bail hearing.

A 14-year-old and a 16-year-old – both from Whitby were charged with possession of stolen property and disguise with intent.

Both were released on a promise to appear.

Anyone with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact the Robbery Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5355. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at http://durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.