Two charged after K9 helps track stolen vehicles in Whitby and Ajax

Durham Regional Police say two men are facing charges following a stolen-vehicle investigation in Whitby. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at approximately 2:55 a.m., Central West Division officers launched a proactive crime-reduction initiative in the Williamsburg area of Whitby targeting vehicle theft, police say.

During the initiative, investigators located two stolen vehicles leaving the area, police say. The vehicles were then located in Ajax, where officers boxed them in; the suspects fled on foot and both were arrested after a brief foot pursuit, with Police Service Dog Rocky apprehending one of the suspects, according to police.

Jaylen Lake, 24, of Toronto, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle (two counts), possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation, possession of break-in instruments, possession of an electronic device for motor vehicle theft, and driving while suspended, police say.

Genura Yapa, 23, of Toronto, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle (two counts), possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation, possession of break-in instruments, possession of an electronic device for motor vehicle theft, four counts of failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with a probation order, police say. Police say Yapa's fail-to-comply charges are connected to a previous vehicle-theft investigation.

Both men were held for a bail hearing, police say. The allegations have yet to be proven in court. Anyone with cell-phone, dash-camera or surveillance footage, or other information, is asked to contact the Auto Robbery Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5355.