Whitehorse RCMP continues to investigate after a theft of vehicle and a number of related theft, mischief, and traffic offences that took place around December 29 and 30, 2022.
On December 29 at approximately 9:00 pm, police began receiving calls about suspicious behaviour involving a black pickup truck. Calls included items stolen from vehicles, a hit and run, and items being dumped or thrown from the suspect truck. Police did patrols in the area where the truck was reported.
At approximately 10:00 pm, police received a report of a robbery at a business in the Porter Creek neighbourhood of Whitehorse. The robbery suspects and the vehicle involved matched the description provided earlier regarding suspicious behaviour from the black pickup truck.
In the next hour, officers twice located the suspect vehicle on the roads and attempted traffic stops. Both times, the vehicle fled from the officers and police did not pursue.
The vehicle was observed going into the Hillcrest Subdivision and police set up containment in the neighbourhood while patrols were conducted. Multiple reports were received from residents that a black pickup had driven down a snowmobile trail/cross country ski trail and had possibly been in a collision on this trail. The vehicle was located stuck and abandoned by its occupants.
Just before midnight, police located a group of youth believed to be involved in this incident walking on a trail near where the suspect vehicle was abandoned. Several people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the multiple offences that took place over the night.
Due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act aimed at protecting youth who are engaged with the justice system, the names of the people arrested in this incident cannot be released.
"This investigation tied up significant police resources through the night and the suspects put the public, the police, and themselves in unnecessarily dangerous situations for several hours," says Sgt. Dustin Grant, of the Whitehorse RCMP Detachment. "Safety was the main consideration of the officers who attempted to end the crime spree. We are thankful to the Whitehorse public for calling and providing information to help this matter end quickly and peacefully."
Police believe that there may have been others involved throughout this incident and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents or the people / vehicle involved, or anyone with dashcam or surveillance footage showing events through this evening, is encouraged to contact Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5551. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers via phone at 867-667-6715 or online at www.crimestoppersyukon.ca.