Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force Makes 124 Arrests, Recovers 177 Stolen Vehicles Valued At Over $10 Million

In a significant breakthrough, the Toronto Police Service (TPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and various Greater Toronto Area (GTA) police departments have announced the successful culmination of an extensive six-month auto theft investigation. This collaborative effort has led to hundreds of arrests and the recovery of more than 170 vehicles.

The comprehensive investigation, dubbed Project Titanium, targeted a sophisticated criminal network responsible for violent auto thefts, home invasions, and other vehicle theft incidents. The results of this provincial carjacking joint task force were unveiled to the public, showcasing the scale and success of the operation.

TPS reported that a total of 124 arrests have been made, and the investigators have laid 749 criminal charges. The recovered stolen vehicles have an estimated value exceeding $10 million.

“The provincial carjacking joint task force exemplifies the commitment of GTA law enforcement to disrupt the networks behind violent auto thefts and highlights the crucial role of collaboration in tackling issues that affect our communities,” stated TPS Deputy Chief Robert Johnson. He emphasized that while the joint task force has concluded, TPS’s dedication remains strong, with a newly established Toronto carjacking task force continuing the effort locally and maintaining partnerships with law enforcement across the GTA.

The province’s carjacking joint task force, which included various local police departments, was created to coordinate efforts in combating a range of crimes, particularly violent vehicle thefts within the GTA.

OPP officials presented the findings of Project Titanium, describing it as an intelligence-led investigation. On June 18 and 19, search warrants were executed on six vehicles and four locations in Peel Region and Toronto. This operation led to the seizure of a loaded handgun, ammunition, over $2,000 in cash, manual and electronic auto theft tools, fraudulent identification documents, and stolen vehicle parts. Additionally, 23 vehicles, valued at over $5 million, were recovered.

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with Project Titanium, facing more than 100 charges. Four of the accused remain in custody, while two have been released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects who are currently at large.

The individuals charged are:

– Schuyler Holloway, 22, of Mississauga
– Michael Ackley, 20, of Toronto
– Jahiem James, 22, of Brantford (wanted)
– Alexis Holloway, 56, of Mississauga
– Jahmoi-Derrick Williams, 19, of Mississauga
– Teroy Warner, 19, of Brampton (wanted)
– Trayvaun Gomez, 21, with no fixed address
– Prince Adu Yeboah, 23, of Brampton

“Vehicle crime is a complex issue, but one thing is simple — our communities deserve to feel safe when they lay their heads down at night,” commented OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns. He expressed gratitude to partner agencies for their assistance with Project Titanium and acknowledged TPS for co-leading the provincial carjacking joint task force.

This significant update follows a tragic incident earlier this month at an Etobicoke high school, where a 14-year-old boy allegedly opened fire, killing two men and injuring others. The incident is potentially linked to a stolen vehicle, adding another layer to the ongoing investigations. The shooting occurred outside North Albion Collegiate Institute on June 2, during a gathering after a soccer game.

Detective Sergeant Phillip Campbell noted that the teenage suspect was initially arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle, but the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Superintendent Ron Taverner mentioned that investigators are still seeking more details about the stolen vehicle and the firearm used in the incident.