Ottawa police make two arrests after intercepting stolen SUVs

Any Ottawa resident that owns a Lexus or Toyota sport utility vehicle (SUV) is asked to keep an eye out for damage to their driver's side doors after police intercepted two stolen SUVs on the city's west side.

Officers spotted two Lexus SUVs travelling in tandem, eastbound on Highway 417 just past the Moodie Drive exit, around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2.

One of the vehicles was stopped and the driver apprehended after a foot pursuit involving the Canine Unit. The stopped vehicle had been reported stolen out of Markham on February 26-27. 

The second vehicle got away from the officers.

Then around 4 a.m. on March 4, officers responded to a vehicle theft in progress near Hazeldean Road and Stittsville Main Street.

Police were able to locate the stolen Toyota 4Runner SUV in the area and pull it to the side of the road. The driver surrendered to officers and was arrested. 

Ralff Castan, 24, of Montreal, has been charged with the following in relation to the stolen Lexus:

• Possession of stolen property over $5,000
• Flight from police
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
• Obstructing police
• Breach probation (three counts)

He was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on March 16, 2021.

Abderazak Achab, 26, of Montreal, has been charged with the following in relation to the stolen 4Runner:

• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Mischief/Tampering with computer data
• Mischief/Damage to property under $5,000
• Possession of a break-in instrument
• Unlawfully purchasing an automobile starter key
• Possession of device to obtain computer service or computer system
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence

Achab remains in police custody.

Investigators are reminding residents to take precaution in order to protect their vehicle. In addition to looking for damage to the driver’s side door handle, police are also asking residents to call them if they see someone taking photos of their dashboard Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).