Police in York Region thwart alleged car theft in Stouffville, Ont.

Que. man facing charges for auto theft crimes A Quebec man is facing several charges in connection with an incident involving an attempted auto theft.

A suspect from Quebec who was allegedly trying to steal a luxury car in Stouffville, Ont. last Friday was caught with a key fob programmer, police say.

In a news release issued Tuesday, York Regional Police said officers were called to the area of Ina Lane and Mostar Street, near Hoover Park Drive and Ninth Line, just after 2 a.m. by a victim who said their Lexus GX460 was being stolen.

Responding officers located a suspect who fled the scene on foot, police said. He was arrested and found to be in possession of the device, they added.

“The theft was unsuccessful and the victim’s vehicle was damaged, but was not stolen,” police said. A suspect vehicle, described as a grey Mercedes-Benz sedan, was also seen fleeing the area.

A 27-year-old suspect from Chateauguay, Que., identified by police as Raheem Mateenjam, is facing four charges in connection with the incident, including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of an automobile master key, possession of break-in instruments, and disguise with intent.

Police continue to search for additional suspects and are asking anyone who has not yet spoken to investigators to come forward.