Suspects out on bail after puppy robbery now charged with vehicle theft

Windsor police cruiser at headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor police have issued new charges to three suspects, who were out on bail after a puppy robbery.

The suspects were released with conditions after being charged with the robbery of a puppy last month.

Officers responded to a report of a stolen pickup truck in the 900 block of Thompson Boulevard on April 27.

Members of the Target Base Unit located the truck the following day in the 3600 block of Matchett Road and soon observed three suspects entering the vehicle.

When the officers attempted to arrest the three suspects, the driver reversed the truck into a parked vehicle and then drove over a curb and onto a grassy area, narrowly missing officers. In the interest of public safety, officers decided not to pursue the vehicle.

Police say the damaged truck was found unoccupied later that day in the 1300 block of Oak St.

On April 30, the OPP-led Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad located and arrested a 15-year-old female near the intersection of Vaughan Street and Prince Road.

A short time later, officers located and arrested Drake Miller, 19, and Ethan Vachon, 21, outside a residence in the 3800 block of Vaughan Street.

Miller has been charged with the following:

• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Failure to comply with a release order
• Vachon has been charged with the following:
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000
• Failure to comply with a release order
• Breach of probation

Police say in connection with an unrelated incident, Vachon has also been charged with possession of property obtained by crime not exceeding $5,000, possession of a credit card obtained by crime, and fraud under $5,000.

The 15-year-old youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.