Male in Custody after Attempted Carjacking of a Police Officer

A 32-year-old male is facing charges after he tried to steal a marked police vehicle in Whitby.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at approximately 4:35 p.m., a member from Central West Division was sitting in a marked police vehicle in the area of 1400 Victoria Street East in Whitby when she was approached by a male who tried to remove her from the vehicle and obtain her firearm.  After he was unsuccessful the male fled the area in his vehicle.   

Members from Central West, Central East, the K9 unit as well as Air1 searched the area and were able to locate the suspect near the 401 and Stevenson Road.   Officers were able to pin in the vehicle and take the male into custody without incident.

Daniel Patrick Junior MCKNIGHT, age 32 from Ajax is charged with Robbery, Attempt to Disarm Peace Officer, Assault Peace Officer, Fail to Stop, Dangerous Operation and Breach of Probation x2. 

He was held for a bail hearing.  

Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area that may have dash cam footage or information to contact Detective Graff of the Robbery Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5365.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.