Two men from Barrie and a man from Brampton are facing charges after a boat was stolen in Vaughn. York Regional Police say they are still looking for a man from Midland, Ont. who is believed to be connected to the incident. According to York Regional Police (YRP), the incident dates back to June 12, when a boat and trailer went missing in the area of Islington Avenue and Highway 7. Police believe multiple suspects arrived in two vehicles and were later seen leaving the area with a 23-foot-long boat being towed behind the vehicle. On Aug. 21, Barrie Police were able to recover the vehicle used in the boat theft which was previously reported stolen. As the investigation continued, it led police to Barrie, where, on Oct. 7, investigators followed a separate stolen vehicle with a trailer attached to it and in doing so, observed another vehicle travelling in tandem. Police followed the stolen vehicle to Vaughan, where the driver and passenger were arrested. The second vehicle was stopped in Barrie. The driver of that vehicle was also arrested, as police determined the vehicle was stolen as well. Police have shared a photo of 45-year-old Michael Kwias of Barrie, as YRP say he is believed to be involved in similar incidents. A warrant is now out for the arrest William Freeman, 39, of Midland, who YRP believe may be involved in the boat theft incident. In addition to Kwias, a 51-year-old Barrie man and a 40-year-old Brampton man have also been charged in relation to the boat theft incident. They each face charges of possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000 among a number of other charges. Anyone with information on Kwais or Freeman is asked to contact YRP.
