Five individuals facing charges after attempted vehicle theft in Amherstview

A car alarm alerted residents of an Amherstview neighbourhood to attempted vehicle theft in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022.

At approximately 5:15 a.m., on the above date, officers of the Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle accompanied by multiple suspicious individuals on McDonough Crescent in Amherstview.

According to a release from the OPP, police were called after suspicious people were seen entering a vehicle at a residence on McDonough Crescent. Police arrived on scene and three suspects were arrested, while two suspects fled on foot.

L&A County OPP, OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine Unit, as well as tips from the public, resulted in the outstanding suspects being located and arrested a short time later, according to the release. 

As a result of the investigation, L&A County OPP have charged:

Bilel Bagui, age 20, and a 17-year-old youth who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), both of Montreal, contrary to the Criminal Code with:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle;
• Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence;
• Possession of Break In Instruments;
• Trespass by Night; and
• Mischief.

Mohamed Abdoullah Soualah, age 18, as well as a 16-year-old youth and a 17-year-old youth who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, all of Montreal, contrary to the Criminal Code with:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle;
• Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence; and
• Possession of Break In Instruments.

The investigation remains ongoing and all five accused have been held for a bail hearing. They are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on Thursday, Mar. 3, 2022.  

Detectives are asking anyone with exterior video or photographic footage in the areas of McDonough Crescent or other areas nearby to review their cameras between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022, and report any suspicious activity to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is requested to call L&A County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous, can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where they may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.