Man, accused of similar thefts, charged after carjacking near Lebreton Flats

In the early morning hours of Aug. 22, police were called to the area around Lebreton Flats for a suspected vehicle theft.

It happened at 4:00 a.m. near Booth Street and Spruce Street. After the thief took off with the vehicle, officers located a vehicle associated at a traffic stop on Albert Street. The driver had tools used to complete the carjacking.

As a result, police charged Deric Methot, a 20-year-old from Montreal with:

• Theft of a motor vehicle                                                  
• Possess break-in instruments
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence                                                 
• Fail to comply with release order                                    
• Operating a motor vehicle on a highway – no insurance            

He is accused of similar thefts in Laval, Que. He appeared in court on Aug. 22.

Ottawa police are reminding residents to take precautions to protect their vehicles.

“Vehicle thefts happen fast, often overnight, leaving the owner unaware until hours later,” officials said in a press release.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Central Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5166.