PSD Brooks Assists in Arrest of Suspects After Attempted Vehicle Theft

Two men were arrested after attempting to steal a vehicle in Ajax, with Police Service Dog (PSD) Brooks tracking and apprehending one of the suspects.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., members of West Division responded to a stolen vehicle in progress call on Pickett Street in Ajax.  As police arrived, the suspects fled on foot. Multiple officers, along with the DRPS K9 Unit, searched the area. PSD Brooks successfully located and apprehended one suspect, while the second was arrested nearby without incident.

Ethan DEROSE, age 19, of No Fixed Address is charged with Possess Electronic Device for Motor Vehicle Theft, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Disguise with Intent, Trespassing at night, and Possession of Break in Instruments.

 Mohamed NAOUAI, age 18, of Quebec is charged with Fail to Comply with Release Order x2, Fail to Comply with Undertaking, Possess Electronic Device for Motor Vehicle Theft, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Disguise with Intent, Trespassing at night and Possession of Break in Instruments.

They were held for bail hearings.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Brown of Project Attire – Auto Theft Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 7827.

Project Attire is DRPS response to Ontario’s new Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant program, which is designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures.

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 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. 

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